Yahoo Finance Rolls-Royce accelerates push into digital world as it seeks savings
Rolls-Royce is moving into “big data” with the launch of a digital unit which aims to bring efficiencies to design, manufacture and operation of its products.
Called R2 Data Labs, it will bring together expertise already inside the company and make select external hires to examine how the company uses data and find new practical applications for it.
Neil Crockett, chief digital officer and head of the new business, said there is “huge untapped potential” to make savings by using artificial intelligence, machine learning and analytics to examine the wealth of data created by Rolls’ products.
Examples of this include creating “digital twins” of aircraft engines - virtual models of engines which can be examined to help predict where breakdowns are likely to occur.
This could mean that an aircraft never has to be taken out of service because of unplanned maintenance, causing passengers delays and costs for airlines.
Monitoring engine performance could also show if a pilot is flying an airliner in a fuel-thirsty way, allowing carriers to teach them to change their flying style, lowering costs.
Learning how products fail through detailed examination of data could also lead to changes to design and manufacturing to make them more durable.
R2 plans to ape Silicon valley by working in “90-day” digital sprints to achieve projects, rather than forming enduring divisions.
Mr Crockett said Rolls would work with fellow manufacturers, its supply chain and academics to access and examine data.
The launch of R2 is part of chief executive Warren East’s ongoing drive to turn around Rolls by making it move faster and enter into new areas. He has previously singled out digitisation and innovation as areas of focus.
Last month Rolls announced a tie-up with India’s Tata Consulting Services to create an Internet of Things platform to speed up development of new products.
