Impact of artificial intelligence on Aerospace Engineering
In a recent interview, AIBC News spoke with Dr. Leonardo Barilaro, who heads the Astrobeat project on the topic of the impact that AI has on aerospace engineering.
LH: Can you share something about your journey into the field of Aerospace Engineering and what inspired you to choose this path?
Dr Leonardo Barilaro: My fascination with space began at a young age. When I was 9 years old, I was captivated by the cosmos, inspired by figures like Isaac Asimov, and simultaneously enchanted by the world of music. This unique blend of interests led me to pursue both a music degree and an engineering education. My academic path included a PhD in Sciences, Technologies, and Measurements for Space from the University of Padua (Italy), this experience provided a solid foundation in aerospace engineering, allowing me to conduct in-depth research on critical areas like space debris mitigation. Today, as a researcher focused on hypervelocity impacts and aerospace structures, I aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry. My research continues to explore
innovative solutions for aerospace challenges and my work has been recognized through presentations
at international conferences and over 30 academic publications. My unique blend of artistic and scientific pursuits has led me to be known as the “Space Pianist”. I create what we can call Space Music, that combines the expressive power of the piano with electronic elements. My music serves as a bridge between the worlds of art and science, inspiring others to look
beyond our planet and embrace the wonders of the cosmos.
LH: How do you see the role of Artificial Intelligence evolving in the Aerospace industry, particularly in relation to projects like ASTROBEAT?
Dr Leonardo Barilaro: Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform the aerospace industry in numerous ways. In the context of projects like ASTROBEAT, AI can be employed for real-time damage assessment, optimal repair planning and autonomous execution of repair tasks. Furthermore, AI can be utilized for predictive maintenance, optimizing spacecraft operations and enhancing mission efficiency.
LH: What do you think are the biggest challenges or potential risks in integrating AI with Aerospace projects?
Dr Leonardo Barilaro: While AI offers immense potential to revolutionize the aerospace industry, integrating it into complex
and critical systems presents huge challenges. Safety and Reliability is paramount. Unlike human errors, which are often predictable and can be mitigated through training and procedures, AI errors can be more elusive. Black-box
models, where the decision-making process is opaque, make it difficult to understand why an AI system made a particular choice. Ensuring the reliability and safety of AI systems in high-stakes environments like aerospace requires rigorous testing, validation and continuous monitoring. Data Quality and Quantity is another critical factor. AI models are heavily reliant on data, and
the quality and quantity of data available can significantly impact their performance. In the aerospace industry, data can be scarce, noisy, or biased, which can lead to inaccurate models and unexpected outcomes.
Ethical Considerations also come into play. As AI systems become more autonomous, questions arise about accountability, transparency and potential biases in the data used to train these models. Ensuring that AI systems are developed and deployed ethically, above all for military applications in space, is crucial to maintaining public trust. Furthermore, the integration of AI into existing systems can be complex and time-consuming. Aerospace systems are often legacy systems with stringent safety requirements, making it challenging to incorporate new AI technologies without compromising reliability.
LH: What advice would you give to young researchers who aspire to contribute to the field of Aerospace Engineering and AI?
Dr Leonardo Barilaro: For young researchers aspiring to contribute to aerospace engineering and AI, I would emphasise the importance of building a strong foundation in both fields. Interdisciplinary knowledge and skills are essential for tackling the complex challenges that lie ahead. As society and technology rapidly evolve, this convergence is increasingly important, just look at the transformative impact of companies like SpaceX and Tesla over the past 15 years. In addition to technical expertise, cultivating a passion for innovation and a willingness to embrace new technologies are vital. The aerospace industry is at the cutting edge of technological advancements, and those who can think creatively and adapt to new developments will be well-
positioned to make significant contributions.
Collaboration is another key component of success. Working with experts from different disciplines can provide new perspectives and insights, leading to more innovative solutions. Seek out opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, research projects and collaborations.
These experiences not only enhance your skills but also expand your professional network, which can be invaluable as you progress in your career. Persistence and resilience are equally important. The path to becoming a successful aerospace engineer is often challenging, with setbacks and failures along the way. However, these obstacles are also opportunities for growth. Learning from failures and pushing through difficult times will strengthen your resolve and lead to greater rewards.
AIBC spoke with Dr Leonardo Barilaro. His academic path includes a PhD in Sciences, Technologies and Measurements for Space from the University of Padua in Italy. His research continues to explore innovative solutions for aerospace challenges and my work has been recognized through presentations at international conferences and over 30 academic publications. He heads the ASTROBEAT project in Malta. His unique blend of artistic and scientific pursuits has led me to be known as the “Space Pianist”. He says that his music serves as a bridge between the worlds of art and science, inspiring others to look beyond our planet and embrace the wonders of the cosmos.
