In the aftermath of the tragic Air India crash that claimed 260 lives in June, engineers are actively exploring innovative solutions to prevent such large-scale disasters in the future.
A groundbreaking initiative known as Project Rebirth is under development, aiming to revolutionize aircraft safety by introducing a modified system featuring large airbags, akin to those used in cars, to safeguard against unavoidable crashes. These airbags would be triggered by artificial intelligence (AI) to anticipate and respond to imminent crashes beyond the pilot’s control.
Conceived by two bright minds from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani Dubai campus, Project Rebirth integrates smart airbags, impact-absorbing fluids, and mid-air reverse thrust to transform potentially fatal crashes into survivable landings. This innovative system focuses on cushioning impact, reducing descent speed, and absorbing energy, establishing it as the ‘first AI-powered crash survival system.’
The creators, Dharsan Srinivasan and Eshel Wasim, drew inspiration from personal tragedy and the desire to provide a safety net in the face of failure. Project Rebirth has gained recognition as a finalist for the esteemed James Dyson Award, which highlights groundbreaking inventions with the potential to impact the world positively.
The core functionality of the system involves utilizing five advanced technologies to predict crashes, slow down aircraft, shield passengers, and facilitate rescue operations. In the event of an inevitable crash below 3,000 feet, the AI system automatically activates, deploying high-speed airbags within seconds from multiple sections of the aircraft.
The airbags, constructed from layered fabric, aim to absorb impact and create a protective cocoon around the plane, ensuring a controlled descent even at high speeds. Additionally, the proposed reverse thrust mechanism and smart fluids enhance crash survivability by slowing down the aircraft and minimizing injuries upon impact.
With a focus on integration with existing aircraft models and collaboration with aerospace laboratories for further testing, the creators believe that Project Rebirth offers a unique approach to enhancing post-crash survival. While the technical feasibility of the system remains to be established, the duo’s commitment to innovation and safety is evident in their pursuit of a groundbreaking solution.
The winners of the James Dyson Award are already announced, with the global recipient set to receive £30,000 to kick-start their entrepreneurial journey. This annual design competition, open to university-level students and recent graduates, celebrates innovation and creativity in addressing global challenges.