Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is diving into the next wave of technology in the aerospace industry. They’ve set up a new delivery center in Toulouse, their fourth in France, focusing on cutting-edge tech like artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. This center will start with a team of 50, but there’s potential to grow that number to 500.
Toulouse is a key aerospace hub in France, home to major players like Airbus and the French space agency, along with numerous companies in the sector. Anupam Singhal, TCS’s manufacturing president, believes this investment could boost TCS’s overall presence in France. After 30 years in the country, TCS employs about 1,700 people there, which is significantly less than the 23,000 staff they have in the UK.
This new center aims to tackle challenges in aerospace and defense using advanced technologies. Singhal pointed out that despite record plane orders, the industry faces hurdles, such as delivery delays seen with Boeing due to issues in the supply chain. When the supply chain gets disrupted, problems for manufacturers can snowball quickly. He cited the Suez Canal blockage as a significant delay for global parts delivery.
TCS is leveraging AI to scan various information sources, like news, to anticipate impacts on the supply chain. If disruption is likely, they alert manufacturers to make necessary adjustments. “The technology analyzes data to predict outcomes, advising companies to stock up or seek alternative suppliers,” Singhal explained.
He emphasized that this technology doesn’t replace human intuition but rather enhances decision-making. AI can present multiple options based on data, allowing leaders to choose the best course of action.
On the sustainability front, the aerospace industry struggles with its heavy reliance on fossil fuels. TCS is exploring quantum computing to redesign aircraft for better fuel efficiency. Newer planes are already about 20% more efficient than their older counterparts. Lighter aircraft burn less fuel, and TCS is developing quantum-based solutions to analyze materials for optimal designs.
Additionally, they’re using technology to fine-tune flight paths, considering factors like distance and weather. “Every minute a plane is in the air burns fuel and produces CO2. We can leverage quantum tech to find the most efficient routes,” he noted.
Finding skilled workers is another hurdle in aerospace, which often requires specialized knowledge. Singhal mentioned how technology, including AI, can equip less experienced workers to perform high-skill tasks. For instance, with generative AI, a worker can request assembly instructions for a part and receive an informative video or detailed guidance.
The new Toulouse center aims to accelerate recruitment locally, tapping into regional talent and collaborating with academic institutions to build a skilled workforce.