Lockheed Martin Extends AI Research Partnership With The Technical University of Cluj-Napoca

Global aerospace and deterrence company, Lockheed Martin, has today extended a collaboration agreement between its Science Technology Engineering Leadership and Research Laboratory (STELaRLab) and Romania’s Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (TUCN) in the area of artificial intelligence. 

Today’s agreement expands collaboration, first announced in 2022, to develop artificial intelligence capabilities that improve the planning and delivery of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during times of crisis.

It will act as a catalyst for work to process 4-dimensional images received from uncrewed air systems as well as integrating additional multi-sensors. The combined benefit will speed the facilitation of autonomous planning and delivery of the critical support needed in emergency situations.

Ray Piselli, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President of International Business, said: “Today is another exciting milestone for Lockheed Martin’s enduring partnership with Romania. It underlines our commitment to supporting the development of Romania’s next generation of scientists, engineers and technologists who will be critical for the nation’s future.”

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The extension of the research agreement will provide Romanian researchers with continued access to Lockheed Martin’s global research and development network, including the company’s Artificial Intelligence Center.

“Extending the partnership to apply artificial intelligence technologies for emergency response is an important gain for Romania. The partnership gives Romanian researchers access to Lockheed Martin’s global research and development network, including the company’s Artificial Intelligence Centre, an opportunity to effectively use real-time intelligence to find rapid solutions in crisis situations,” said Minister for Digitalisation Bogdan Ivan.

“The significant results obtained in the first year of cooperation will be expanded and utilized through integration into a jointly developed functional prototype with StelarLab,” said Vasile Țopa, rector of the TUCN.

As climate change continues to present challenges globally, due to the frequency and severity of natural emergencies such as wild fires, the Lockheed Martin and TUCN team will assess how artificial intelligence can help society understand the risks associated with these events and be better prepared to respond with agility.

Lockheed Martin has sustained a presence in Romania for more than 25 years and is today a strategic partner for national defence, industry and academia.

The company partners with Romania on a variety of defence and security programmes including military aircraft, missile defense, precision fire, radar and helicopters for the Ministry of Interior.