Imagine a plane where only one pilot is flying instead of two. If that pilot suddenly passes out or becomes too tired to fly, the plane needs a way to realize it instantly. This project creates a digital co-pilot and health-monitoring sensors that can detect a crisis and guide the plane safely back to the ground.
Global air travel growth is increasing pilot workloads and creating a worldwide pilot shortage. There is a critical safety gap in managing aircraft if a single pilot becomes incapacitated during flight.
A TRL2 conceptual design (CONOPS) for safe return to land and a monitoring method to detect pilot cognitive degradation using eye-tracking, EEG, and fNIRS.
If you are an aircraft manufacturer dealing with the global shortage of pilots — this project developed a TRL2 monitoring method that detects pilot incapacitation. This allows for the design of aircraft capable of Single Pilot Operations while maintaining safety standards.
If you are an ATC operator dealing with increased sky congestion and new flight rules — this project developed an integrated air-to-ground concept. It defines how ground controllers and digital assistants manage a plane when the pilot is incapacitated.
If you are a software firm dealing with high pilot workloads — this project developed AI teaming and digital assistant roles. This reduces the mental burden on the remaining crew and automates the return-to-land process.
Based on available project data, no pricing or implementation cost is provided; the project is funded by an EU contribution of EUR 1,999,577 for research and development.
No, the project aims to deliver a TRL2 solution, which is an early-stage conceptual technology rather than a scaled industrial product.
Based on available project data, specific IP and licensing terms are not disclosed, though the project is coordinated by Collins Aerospace Ireland.
The project delivers an air-to-ground concept (CONOPS) that specifically maps the impact on ATC operator tasks to ensure a safe return to land.
The project runs from 2024-09-01 to 2027-02-28 and is intended to contribute to the future delivery of a full demonstrator.
The consortium is led by a major industry player, Collins Aerospace, and maintains a 33% industry ratio with 2 industrial partners and 1 SME. The mix of 3 research organizations and 1 university across 6 countries suggests a strong bridge between academic physiological research (EEG, fNIRS) and commercial aviation application.
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Contact us to track the transition of this TRL2 concept toward a full demonstrator.
