Ramco Systems opens advanced aviation IT lab in Singapore

• To develop wearables for ground engineers, and drones to inspect aircraft
• Ramco says lab is its most significant aviation investment in Asia to date

CHENNAI-headquartered IT solutions provider Ramco Systems has opened an engineering laboratory in Singapore that will develop advanced aviation IT solutions, announcing Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) as its first anchor partner.
 
Launched at the recent Singapore Airshow, the lab will work on next-generation applications and develop intellectual property to solve major problems facing the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) industry, Ramco Systems said in a statement.
 
It will look into solutions such as wearables for ground engineers, and drones to inspect aircraft on the tarmac, the company added.
 
“Innovation and disruptive technologies are key to the growth of the aviation MRO industry, where many manual procedures could be improved,” said Ramco Systems chief executive officer Virender Aggarwal.
 
“This lab positions us at the forefront of research in this sector, which will benefit airlines across Asia, if not the world.
 
“We are glad to have an anchor customer in AFI KLM E&M which shares the same passion to develop solutions that can transform operations in the aerospace industry,” he added.
 
Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the MRO Lab is located at Ramco Systems’ regional headquarters in Singapore, which has emerged as a major regional aviation hub and an innovation centre for the airline sector, including advanced materials and engine efficiency, the company said.
 
The lab is Ramco Systems’ most significant aviation investment in Asia to date, it added, without disclosing figures.
 
It eventually employ more than 50 people, who will work on solutions such as:
 

• The Internet of Things, or embedded sensors for aviation components;

• Machine learning equipment which can cut down on manual maintenance and checking;

• Analytics for engineering planning and optimisation to reduce aircraft on ground (AOG);

• Robotics for the shopfloor and drones to inspect aircraft on the tarmac; and

• Wearable devices including Google Glass for on-ground engineers.

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