In mid-November 2024, Rome became the stage for groundbreaking discussions in air traffic management (ATM) and artificial intelligence (AI). TRUSTY was at the heart of this week of innovation, showcasing cutting-edge solutions and fostering key collaborations at the SESAR AI Flagship Workshop and SESAR Innovation Days.

A Week to Remember

The week began on 11 November 2024, with the SESAR AI Flagship Workshop gathering 56 participants from 23 SESAR projects at Spazio Europa, Rome. The event brought together researchers, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to align AI innovation with aviation certification standards.

This workshop set the stage for the SESAR Innovation Days (SIDs), held from 12 to 15 November. A cornerstone event for the SESAR program, the SIDs hosted over 100 participants per day and provided an ideal platform for showcasing exploratory research and future-focused solutions in ATM.

 

SESAR AI Flagship Workshop: Connecting Ideas and Institutions

At the workshop, TRUSTY’s contributions stood out for their focus on transparency and user-centered AI solutions for aviation.

Christophe Hurter from ENAC represented TRUSTY, delivering a compelling presentation on Human-Machine Teaming and “Visual Intelligence”. His talk emphasized the need for AI tools that prioritize transparency and usability, highlighting the collaboration with CODA in addressing these challenges.

Roundtable discussions allowed TRUSTY and other participants to delve into key topics such as AI explainability and liability. The presence of EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) enriched the dialogue, connecting SESAR projects with regulatory frameworks and the AI Roadmap 2.0.

Christophe Hurter presenting TRUSTY at the SESAR AI Flagship Workshop

 

TRUSTY’s Exclusive Demo at the SIDs: Real-Time Adaptation for Air Traffic Control

TRUSTY’s impactful week continued at the SESAR Innovation Days, where it showcased its innovative approach to adaptive automation.

The joint demo, developed with CODA and BrainSigns, featured Mindtooth technology and virtual reality headsets. This state-of-the-art system adapts in real time to the user’s cognitive and emotional state, dynamically adjusting the interface based on stress and mental workload.

Participants were captivated by the live neurofeedback demonstration, which monitored metrics such as stress and cognitive load. The system illustrated how AI can assist air traffic controllers in managing high-pressure situations by creating adaptive environments that respond to real-time user needs.

This demo not only highlighted the potential of AI in aviation but also drew positive feedback from attendees, reinforcing TRUSTY’s role as a leader in integrating physiological data with AI for safer, more efficient air traffic control

TRUSTY and CODA joint roll-up at the SIDs 2024

Reflections from TRUSTY Representatives

The TRUSTY team played an active role throughout the events, sharing insights, building connections, and gathering valuable feedback. Alexander Veyrie, representing ENAC, reflected on the collaborative atmosphere of the SIDs, particularly appreciating the sessions dedicated to human-AI interaction. He remarked on the high quality of the plenary discussions, stating:
“As a co-representative of ENAC for the TRUSTY SESAR exploratory research project, attending the SIDs 2024 conference in Rome was both insightful and rewarding. The plenary sessions were remarkable, with high-quality speakers addressing key topics and raising thought-provoking questions.”

Christophe Hurter, also from ENAC, engaged in meaningful discussions with participants from projects exploring hybrid automation and Visual Intelligence. These exchanges allowed TRUSTY to delve deeper into potential applications of its AI solutions, highlighting opportunities for refinement and future collaboration.

Pietro Arico’, from The Sapienza University of Rome, emphasized the positive reception of TRUSTY’s use of neurophysiological data for adaptive automation. He noted how the feedback received during the event led to valuable exchanges with other SESAR projects, such as the DIALOG project, creating opportunities for synergy and collaborative development.

The TRUSTY representatives left the events inspired by the connections made, the recognition received, and the new avenues for research that emerged. Their contributions, both in presenting TRUSTY’s innovations and engaging with peers, underscored the project’s relevance and impact in advancing AI for aviation.

A Step Forward for AI in Aviation

The SESAR AI Flagship Workshop and SESAR Innovation Days underscored the power of collaboration in driving innovation. For TRUSTY, the week was an incredible opportunity to demonstrate its vision for human-centered AI and strengthen ties with other pioneering projects like ASTRA and SAFETEAM.

Leaving Rome, the team is inspired by the feedback received, the connections made, and the insights gained. As TRUSTY continues to push the boundaries of AI in aviation, these events mark a significant milestone in the journey toward safer, more efficient air traffic control.

A Special Thanks

A sincere thank you to SESAR Joint Undertaking, our representatives, and all the participants who made this week a success. The shared commitment to advancing AI in aviation continues to fuel our mission for innovation and collaboration.

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