NEUROQUAD: Neuro-Quantum-AI Technologies for Real-Time Cognitive Monitoring and Safer Pilot Operations

05/02/2026

NEUROQUAD “Disruptive “NEURO-QUantum-AI technology symbiosis” for Real-TimeCognitive Monitoring and Decision Support to improve Pilot Control and Safety” is a European Defence Fund (EDF) research initiative focused on advancing integrated neurophysiological monitoring, artificial intelligence, and quantum‑inspired computing technologies for application in military aviation. Its objective is to design, develop, and validate a system capable of assessing pilots’ cognitive states in real time and supporting adaptive decision‑making in operational environments. The project aims to contribute to improved safety, attention and mission effectiveness by enabling aircraft systems to respond to the cognitive demands placed on pilots during complex missions.

NEUROQUAD contributes to the advancement of human‑centric defense technologies by combining multidisciplinary research with end‑user involvement throughout the development process. The project supports Europe’s objective of strengthening technological autonomy in critical aerospace capabilities through the integration of advanced sensing, data processing, and adaptive intelligence.

NEUROQUAD is implemented by a consortium of organizations representing technological, academic, industrial, and operational domains:

Multiverse Computing – Project coordination; quantum and AI technologies
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) – Neurotechnology, AI model development; leadership of WP3, WP6, and WP9
G.TEC – Neurophysiological monitoring hardware; biosignal acquisition technologies
Oesia Networks / Tecnobit – Grupo Oesia (TBT) – Artificial intelligence development, simulation frameworks; leadership of WP10
German Air Force Centre of Aerospace Medicine (GAFCAM) – Aerospace medicine expertise and support for controlled pilot studies
Spanish Air Force (EA) – Operational validation and user‑centred evaluation
NOSI – Systems integration and technical support
ZABALA Innovation – Communication, dissemination, and impact management

The project is structured into multiple work packages covering knowledge generation, system design, and feasibility studies. These include: the definition of neurophysiological frameworks and operational scenarios, the development of AI‑based cognitive‑state detection and predictive models, the creation of quantum‑inspired model‑compression techniques for real‑time use, the implementation and validation of cognitive monitoring systems, and the assessment of pilot‑support recommendation technologies.

Researchers from the Information Processing and Telecommunications Center (IPTC), research center of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), participate to this project, focusing on the analysis and interpretation of neural and physiological signals to assess key cognitive factors such as situational awareness and spatial orientation of military pilots. By combining advanced signal processing with AI-based predictive models, NEUROQUAD seeks to enhance human–machine interaction and improve pilot control, safety, and performance in real time.

The proposed technologies enable adaptive aircraft systems capable of responding dynamically to the pilot’s cognitive condition, supporting decision-making under stress and reducing the risk of human error. Beyond defense applications, the outcomes of NEUROQUAD have strong dual-use potential. Possible civilian applications include cognitive monitoring in aviation and air traffic control, safety-critical industrial environments, emergency response operations, and healthcare contexts requiring continuous assessment of mental states under high pressure.

NEUROQUAD represents a significant step toward next-generation cognitive-aware systems, positioning neuro-AI technologies as a key enabler for safer, more efficient, and human-centered automated systems.

Project website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neuroquad/about/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iptc-upm/

For more information: www.iptc.upm.es