The 2025 Paris Air Show at Le Bourget is once again proving itself as the global epicentre of aerospace innovation. With over 2,500 exhibitors and 150 aircraft on display, this year’s focus is clear: the digital transformation of aviation. Leading the charge is machine vision a powerful form of artificial intelligence that’s changing how aircraft are built, flown, and maintained.
Machine vision enables systems to interpret visual data, mimicking and, in many cases, surpassing human sight. From autonomous inspections to enhanced cockpit displays and smarter ground operations, this technology is quietly revolutionizing the entire aviation ecosystem.
From Inspections to Autonomy: Where Machine Vision is Making an Impact
Automated Aircraft Inspection and Predictive Maintenance
Manual aircraft inspections are slow and prone to error. Machine vision automates this process with precision and speed.
Take the Air-Cobot project, developed by Akka Technologies. This autonomous mobile robot uses cameras and sensors to perform visual checks on aircraft exteriors. It can detect open access panels, worn landing gear, and other structural issues without a technician ever lifting a ladder.
By reducing human error and downtime, machine vision is turning maintenance into a data-driven process and helping airlines avoid costly delays and safety risks.
Synthetic and Enhanced Vision for Safer Flight
Machine vision isn’t just helping on the ground it’s transforming flight safety too.
Technologies like Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) and Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) give pilots a clear, computer-generated view of terrain, runways, and potential obstacles. SVS integrates GPS and 3D mapping to create a virtual environment, while EFVS uses infrared imaging to improve visibility during landings in poor weather.
These systems reduce pilot workload and enhance decision-making, especially in challenging environments. As they become standard equipment, they’re making aviation safer and more reliable for all.
Autonomous Ground Operations and Smarter Airports
Modern airports are complex ecosystems. Machine vision is helping streamline everything from luggage transport to runway inspection.
Self-driving ground support vehicles now use visual data to navigate safely around aircraft, minimizing turnaround times. At the same time, drones equipped with machine vision inspect runways for cracks, debris, or lighting issues faster and more accurately than human teams.
This automation cuts operational costs, improves safety, and ensures airport infrastructure stays in top condition.
AI in Action: Paris Air Show 2025 Showcases the Future
Security and Surveillance Get Smarter
Security is another frontier where machine vision is delivering real-world benefits.
Advanced surveillance systems now use facial recognition and behavioural analysis to detect threats in real-time. Whether it’s identifying unauthorized access or spotting unattended bags, these systems improve response time and reduce false alarms. As global passenger volumes continue to grow, scalable and intelligent security tools like these are becoming indispensable.
Industry Commitment to AI and Automation
This year’s Paris Air Show features a wide range of AI-driven technologies, with machine vision at the core. From smart avionics to fully autonomous aircraft prototypes, companies are highlighting how visual intelligence is being integrated across platforms. With sustainability also in focus, machine vision is being used to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and optimize flight paths—contributing to greener, smarter aviation.
Looking Forward: Why Machine Vision Matters
Machine vision is more than a technological trend it’s a fundamental shift in how aviation operates. Whether it’s a drone checking runway conditions, a pilot navigating safely through fog, or a robot scanning a fuselage for cracks, the ability of machines to “see” is transforming every layer of the industry.
The innovations on display at the Paris Air Show 2025 are just the beginning. As these systems evolve and integrate with other technologies like edge computing and 5G, their capabilities and their value will only grow.
The sky is no longer the limit. It’s where machine vision is redefining the future of flight.
