- UBIQ gave me the sandbox and said, ‘Go play in it.’
Introduction
Meet Piri Babayev, a recent addition to UBIQ Aerospace’s software chapter. With a unique exp ertise in AI and an impressive track record, he has quickly made a mark, driving advancements in drone path-planning technology. Armed with a Master’s degree in AI from NTNU and a passion for solving complex challenges, Piri is already redefining possibilities in aerospace software.
From Biologically Inspired AI to Aerospace Innovation
Before joining UBIQ Aerospace, Piri spent eight years living and working in Norway, sharpening his skills in embedded software and AI. His academic journey at NTNU focused on biologically inspired algorithms and reinforcement learning—principles that guide many of today’s cutting-edge AI systems.
Professionally, Piri has tackled diverse challenges, from writing software for calculating seabed pipe thickness at Technip FMC to exploring AI vulnerabilities in safety-critical systems as part of a PhD project. These experiences honed not only his technical expertise but also a pragmatic problem-solving mindset. As they put it: "I’ve met a lot of smart people, but many don’t get things done. Being action-oriented is so important.”
Transforming Path-Planning
At UBIQ Aerospace, Piri is focusing on a critical aspect of drone technology: AI-driven path-planning. This involves enabling drones to determine the most efficient and safe routes from point A to point B—no small feat when faced with a myriad of environmental and operational variables.
The approach merges advanced AI techniques with real-time data processing to solve challenges that traditional algorithms cannot handle. The solution Piri has developed compresses vast datasets—350GB reduced to just 140KB—allowing the tools to adapt the path planning to changing conditions lightning fast.
Why does this matter?
For applications ranging from medical supply delivery to military reconnaissance, precision and speed are paramount. A simple straight-line trajectory is often unsafe or inefficient due to turbulence, wind, icing, and other factors. By incorporating AI, drones can now navigate complex scenarios with optimal efficiency and safety, minimizing risks to both human lives and costly equipment.
A Passion for Innovation and Collaboration
When asked about the early success at UBIQ, Piri credits the company’s culture of trust and autonomy: "UBIQ gave me the sandbox and said, ‘Go play in it.’ That freedom, combined with the chance to work on meaningful puzzles, is incredibly motivating."
The work often involves a high degree of autonomy, but collaboration with colleagues across the organization has enriched the journey. As the project develops, he’s excited about the opportunity to expand the team and bring in expertise from other disciplines to further advance this evolving field.
The Bigger Picture: Enabling UBIQ’s Vision
The path-planning project at UBIQ Aerospace is relatively new, and Piri sees his work as pivotal to the company’s mission. Path-planning and, eventually, real-time path-finding will unlock countless applications for UAVs, from transporting medical supplies under adverse conditions to advanced military operations.
The ambition is to make a trusted tool. The first goal is to offer path-planning, eliminating the risk of human error. And later on making a real-time solution, tailored for dynamic environments.
Looking Ahead
For UBIQ Aerospace the future involves more functions moved to the software domain, tackling varying challenges in a more efficient way. The path-planning project is an important part of the groundwork for drones to become more adaptive, efficient, and reliable—pioneering capabilities that align perfectly with UBIQ’s mission of innovation and excellence. "We’re at the start of something big in aerospace. It’s exciting to work in a young, evolving field where all the truths haven’t been established yet."
UBIQ Aerospace is proud of having team members like Piri Babayev who combine deep expertise with a passion for exploration and problem-solving. UBIQ’s talented workforce is pushing the boundaries of AAM and UAV aviation, and will make a significant impact on the future of aerospace, one optimized flight path at a time.
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