Robert Rose envisions a near future where human mobility undergoes a dramatic transformation. As the founder of Reliable Robotics and a former employee of Tesla and Space-X, Rose is working towards fully automating flight. A recent demonstration at Travis Air Force base showcased an automated plane that successfully took off and landed without human assistance, indicating that this future may not be too far away. In an interview, Rose provides insights into the work at Reliable Robotics and what lies ahead.
Q: Can you share some information about your background?
A: I have a background as a software engineer, and I’ve worked at various places throughout my career. My notable experiences include leading the flight software team at SpaceX and overseeing the autopilot program at Tesla Motors during its early days. In 2017, I co-founded Reliable Robotics with a former colleague from SpaceX, who has expertise in hardware and electrical systems engineering. Our mission is to introduce advanced levels of automation and safety-enhancing technologies to aircraft.
Q: Can you elaborate on your vision for this technology?
A: Growing up, I had exposure to aircraft due to my mother being a pilot for recreational purposes. When I resumed flying lessons about six years ago, I was surprised by the lack of significant technological advancements in aircraft. While autopilots and navigation systems have become more sophisticated, the overall state of technology in aviation hasn’t changed much in the past few decades. It’s disheartening that accidents still occur due to human error or misinterpretation of aircraft behavior. We possess the capability to introduce more advanced automation and safety technologies, so why aren’t we doing it? This exploration led me to start Reliable Robotics.
Q: Aviation is generally considered safe. Are you aiming for zero accidents with this technology?
A: It is often claimed that aviation is the safest mode of transportation. However, this is not entirely accurate. While commercial jets are indeed safer than driving, smaller aircraft are actually nine to 15 times more dangerous than driving. This is a topic that isn’t widely discussed. The primary causes of fatal aviation accidents are controlled flight into terrain, which refers to unintentional collisions with mountains, and loss of control in flight. These accidents are preventable through automation.
Q: How extensively do pilots currently rely on automatic systems in airplanes?
A: There’s a misconception that aircraft already have high levels of automation. However, the reality is more nuanced. The autopilot systems we currently have in aircraft lack the necessary redundancy to handle all phases of flight. Our company aims to develop navigation and automation technologies that enable fully automated aircraft, eliminating the need for pilots to constantly monitor the plane.
Q: What are the benefits of removing pilots from the equation?
A: Firstly, safety is the primary motivation. Secondly, once we achieve fully automated aircraft, it will make aviation more accessible to a broader range of people and enable new types of aircraft. Flights will become more flexible, easily accessible, and will serve more airports. It will also make smaller aircraft more economically viable. Instead of needing to travel to major airports, people can conveniently reach smaller airports in their vicinity. This opens up exciting possibilities.
Q: The final step seems reminiscent of the Jetsons – universal access to flight from your doorstep. Is that what you envision?
A: Yes, I believe that is feasible by the end of the next decade. In the future, purchasing an airplane ticket will be as simple as booking an Uber or Lyft. You will indicate your location and destination, and the system will match you with the aircraft heading in that direction. However, there are other technological advancements needed to achieve this vision, such as making aircraft more efficient. The combination of hybrid electric aircraft and remote piloting will lead to a transformative revolution in the next decade, greatly changing human mobility. However, the appearance of planes will remain conventional, with wings.
Q: How close do you think we are to achieving this vision? When can we expect widespread implementation?
A: I believe we are closer than most people think, but still further away than I would like. This transformation will happen within this decade, but several essential steps need to be taken along the way.
Robert Rose Profile:
Age: 45
Birthplace: North Carolina
Residence: Los Altos, California
Education: Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Computer Engineering, and a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Oregon State University.
5 Interesting Facts about Robert Rose:
1. Developed three Games of the Year as a programmer for Sony PlayStation earlier in his career.
2. Holds a pilot’s license with the FAA.
3. Participated in search and rescue missions as a member of the Civil Air Patrol during his youth.
4. Contributed to the development of software for the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
5. Studied computer science and computer engineering at Oregon State University.
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