From 4–6 December 2024, the SESAR Innovation Days (SIDs) took centre stage in Rome, Italy, hosted by Aeroporti di Roma, ENAV, and Leonardo. As the flagship event for SESAR Joint Undertaking’s exploratory research, the SIDs provided a platform for groundbreaking innovation and networking in Air Traffic Management (ATM). This year’s event featured cutting-edge demonstrations, an exhibition, and the prestigious Young Scientist Award, further cementing its reputation as a landmark in European aviation research.
CODA’s Interactive Demonstrations:
CODA, in collaboration with the TRUSTY project, offered an immersive experience for attendees through two interactive demonstrations:
- ATC Simulation Game: Attendees participated in an aircraft landing management game, facing progressively more challenging scenarios.
- Virtual Reality Experience: Participants wore VR headsets and engaged in visually demanding coordination tasks with varying difficulty levels.
Both games allowed attendees, regardless of their operational background, to experience real-time feedback on their workload, stress, and vigilance levels. These mental states were tracked using advanced EEG devices, demonstrating the capability of CODA’s tools to adapt dynamically during high-stress or high-workload moments. The adaptability of the system highlighted how AI-driven tools can effectively support operators in challenging environments.
Key Takeaways from the Demonstrations:
- The games showcased how real-time mental state assessments can enhance the decision-making capabilities of air traffic controllers.
- By dynamically adjusting support during high-stress situations, the demonstrations provided a glimpse into the future of adaptive automation in ATM.
- Attendees praised the experience as engaging and fun, while also appreciating the practical applications of these tools in enhancing aviation safety and efficiency.
Advancing the Digital European Sky Vision:
The CODA and TRUSTY projects align closely with the vision of a Digital European Sky, addressing two critical aspects of AI integration in aviation:
- Real-Time Mental State Monitoring: Leveraging advanced EEG technology for precise and objective assessment of ATCOs’ cognitive states.
- Adaptive Automation: Designing systems that dynamically adjust their functionality based on current operator’s state, ensuring efficiency and safety.
These innovations not only push the boundaries of technical feasibility but also promote a seamless human-AI collaboration, crucial for creating hybrid teams that are safer, more efficient, and better equipped to handle the complexities of modern air traffic management.
A Memorable Event for Collaboration and Learning:
The SESAR Innovation Days 2024 were a vibrant platform for showcasing the practical impact of exploratory research projects like. As CODA continues its mission to revolutionize aviation safety and performance, events like these underscore the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving the Digital European Sky.