At the XXX ANACNA Delegates Congress, the European project DIALOG was showcased as a practical example of how artificial intelligence can proactively support air traffic controllers. A step forward toward human-AI collaboration grounded in trust, situational awareness, and real-time cognitive understanding.

Can AI truly support air traffic controllers?

In a high-stakes operational environment like air traffic control, the answer isn’t just technical — it’s deeply human. Introducing AI into the radar room isn’t about replacement; it’s about intelligent collaboration: how can a machine understand when and how to assist a controller under pressure?

That’s the real-world challenge that gave rise to DIALOG, an EU-funded project under SESAR 3 JU. Its ambitious goal? To develop a digital assistant that works side-by-side with ATCOs (Air Traffic Controllers), identifying their needs in real time and responding accordingly.

DIALOG at ANACNA: Where theory meets practice

At the XXX ANACNA Delegates Congress, held in Rome in April 2025, Nicola Cavagnetto from Deep Blue presented DIALOG as a flagship example in a session on human factors and innovation in ATM. The event gathered around 100 professionals from across Italy’s air traffic management community.

This appearance allowed us to:

  • Demonstrate how AI can help operational staff in real-life contexts

  • Collect feedback and perceptions directly from the field

  • Strengthen the bridge between research, operations, and policy

Real innovation means understanding the controller’s mind

DIALOG goes beyond introducing new technologies. Its true value lies in putting people at the center, creating a system that can listen and adapt. The Teamwork Assistant leverages:

  • Speech recognition and natural language understanding of pilot-controller exchanges

  • Workload and attention detection using voice, physiology, and behavioral data

  • Context-aware adaptation based on traffic complexity and the ATCO’s state

The goal is not just to support, but to anticipate — offering help only when it’s truly needed, and in the most effective way.

Why this matters to us

As members of the aviation community — whether we are operators, airport managers, researchers, or policymakers — we all share a responsibility: ensuring that innovation serves real operational needs and supports those on the front lines.

DIALOG responds to this challenge with validated, user-centered prototypes that directly address critical issues such as:

  • Cognitive overload

  • Loss of situational awareness

  • The need for trust in digital assistants

By developing solutions with and for the people who manage our skies, we are building a future where technology truly enhances safety, performance, and human decision-making.

Stay connected with DIALOG
This participation at ANACNA is just one of many opportunities where DIALOG engages with the ATM community.
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