What makes the IntelligentEngine tick

Our pioneering IntelligentEngine vision was launched at the 2018 Singapore Airshow, redefining the way Rolls-Royce provides power to its customers.

The IntelligentEngine will deliver another step change in the levels of reliability and efficiency of our engines by making them increasingly connected, contextually aware, and comprehending. This means engines will continually learn from each other, and their broader operational environment, to adjust behaviour and achieve ever greater levels of performance.

Just like anything intelligent, an engine needs cognitive capability.

Just like anything intelligent, an engine needs cognitive capability.

R2 Data Labs, Rolls-Royce’s data innovation business, has been working to build the operational and digital connections that are making the IntelligentEngine possible.

Through the use of new technologies and the power of big data, we are creating a suite of digital applications that connect insights across our design, manufacturing and servicing operations.

When brought together, these capabilities create a comprehensive digital environment known as a Digital Twin. This replicates and then simulates the full operational life cycle of individual engines, or even complete fleets.

The depth of detail possible within our Operation and Performance Digital Twin, will enable Rolls-Royce to deliver even greater enhancements to the design, manufacturing and operation of our engines. It will be the brain behind the contextually aware IntelligentEngine, providing the cognitive power it needs to ensure passengers are delivered more reliably and more efficiently than ever before.

To enable the IntelligentEngine, R2 Data Labs is bringing together huge volumes of data.

By organising and interrogating this data through advanced analytics and industrial AI techniques, we have developed a technology programme that is underpinned by four key areas of capability:

1. Design optimisation

A tool that uses rich operational and environmental data to simulate how different component designs would perform and last in service

2. Integrated lifing

A methodology that uses digital twins to accurately predict the remaining life of engines and their components, based on the detailed conditions they are expected to experience in service

3. Fleet planning

An application that explores over 25 years of in-service data to understand how changes to customer fleet operations could deliver improved aircraft efficiency and availability

4. MRO insight

A tool that closes the learning loop by capturing the actual condition of used parts to inform improvements to their design, manufacture and usage

The combination of these tools forms a complete virtual model of our operations, taking the understanding and quality of engine components to an entirely new level. For Rolls-Royce customers, this will mean enhanced power units, streamlined maintenance schedules, and their aircraft ready to fly.