Qatar Computing Research Institute and Boeing to collaborate on Data Analytics Research

Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) and Boeing announced today that they have established a joint research project to examine ways to better recognise patterns, correlations and anomalies in massive amounts of data produced by state-of-the-art aerospace systems. 

The data analytics research will seek to extract meaningful information from extremely large data streams, with the goal of enabling optimal decision-making and improving business performance in aerospace system maintenance and other areas. 

“Our collaboration with Qatar Computing Research Institute broadens and deepens Boeing’s engagement in Qatar, where we already have strong customer and stakeholder relationships,” said Dr. William Lyons, Boeing Research & Technology director of Global Research and Development Strategy. “This research supports a business need for aerospace, as well as for many other industries where data analysis has the potential to deliver a step change in efficiency, productivity and environmental performance.” 

“It is a great opportunity for us to work together with Boeing on such a big data challenge,” said Dr. Ahmed Elmagarmid, Executive Director of QCRI. “It underscores what we do at QCRI – that is, to use our expertise to conduct research that addresses a specific problem and has an impact on business and society. We will use technology that we have conceived and developed in Qatar, and which will benefit Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company.” 

“Boeing continues to demonstrate its enduring commitment to Qatar and the region not just by delivering commercial aircraft and defence systems, but also through partnerships such as this agreement,” said Boeing Middle East President Jeffrey Johnson. “In this way, we can help Qatar achieve its national objective of developing new technologies and providing career opportunities for its people.”

QCRI. Its research team, which has expertise in machine-learning methods for analysing extremely large data streams and picking out critical trends, will work closely with Boeing Research & Technology’s talented staff. This two-year project will be the second between QCRI and Boeing, following a successful initial collaboration related to Arabic language processing. 

Boeing’s relationship with the Middle East extends back to 1945. Since then, it has established a number of offices across the region, first in Riyadh in 1982, then a dedicated Defense, Space & Systems (BDS) office in Abu Dhabi in 1999, a regional headquarters in Dubai in 2005 and a new office in Doha in 2010. In addition, Boeing has field service teams across the region and two distribution centres for aeroplane spare parts in Dubai. 

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., Boeing is the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defence, space and security systems. Boeing Research & Technology collaborates with customers, suppliers, universities and research and development agencies throughout the world to provide a broad base of innovative and affordable technologies for Boeing’s business units.