In 2019, after years of studying aviation and aerospace engineering, Hector (Haofeng) Xu decided to learn how to fly helicopters. While pursuing his PhD in MIT’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Xu experienced the inherent risks of flying small aircrafts firsthand and was inspired to make helicopter flights safer. In 2021, he established his company Rotor Technologies, which aims to retrofit existing helicopters with autonomous technology increasing safety and enabling a broader range of applications.
Rotor fits existing helicopters with a suite of sensors and advanced software. This move helps reduce the dangers associated with helicopter flight, such as flying into wires, disorientation in adverse weather, or loss of control. The technology is being first introduced to the most perilous missions. Rotor’s autonomous helicopters can fly faster, for longer duration, and carry heavier payloads than typical battery-powered drones. This innovation has been commercially successful, and the company expects its clients to purchase their products later this year.
In his career journey, Xu spent eight years at MIT as a PhD student, postdoc, and research affiliate in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AeroAstro), and strongly believes his time there shaped his vision for technology and aviation’s future. Rotor’s technology was not directly linked to MIT’s labs, but Xu’s first hire and several subsequent team members were MIT affiliates.
Though Rotor retrofits its autonomous technology into existing helicopters from the Robinson Helicopter Company instead of building its own aircraft, the core of their solution is a unique “fly-by-wire” system. This comprises a set of computers and motors that interact with the helicopter’s flight control systems. Rotor also includes advanced communication tools and sensors, many of which have been adapted from the autonomous vehicle industry.
Rotor’s approach to automation includes the removal of pilots from the cockpit, transitioning towards a paradigm of remote-piloted aircraft while also providing a human expert in the loop for 24/7 monitoring through a cloud-based monitoring system called “Cloudpilot.” This approach allows for the best use of reliable autonomous systems and human decision-making skills.
Rotor’s product, called the R550X, is significantly more efficient than existing options. With a capacity of over 1,200 lbs and a top speed over 120 mph, the R550X can also be equipped with extra fuel tanks, allowing it to fly for extended periods. Xu’s ultimate aim is for Rotor to have an everyday impact and contribute to the transport industry by creating safer, more autonomous, and cost-effective vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
