The aerospace industry finds itself facing broad technological advancements and an ever-growing need to train and evaluate human operators working with increasingly complex systems. These systems integrate novel artificial intelligence agents bringing new capabilities, but also new challenges to the forefront. Virtual and augmented reality are not in and of themselves new to aviation; however, as augmented displays expand into the mainstream, new approaches to integrating virtual information into realistic training environments (e.g., extended and mixed reality) continues to alter the landscape of aviation operations and maintenance.
The Aeronautical Center’s NextGen Integration Committee hosted the 7th Annual Human Systems Integration (HSI) Summit on June 4, 2024. The single-day summit included two sessions, with additional relevant videos presented during the 60-minute lunch break.
The FAA’s Tony Darnell (Aeronautical Center NAS Integration Senior Technical Advisor) and Dr. Carla Hackworth (Manager, Aerospace Human Factors Research) hosted a one-day, come-and-go, virtual event to bring together researchers and practitioners across government, academia, and industry. The Aeronautical Center’s Deputy Director, Kevin O’Connor, welcomed presenters and attendees to the annual summit, followed by six presentations covering the gamut of HSI in aviation. In all, 276 attendees joined the event.
This year’s theme explored "The Emerging State of Technologies that Aid Human Learning, Training, Performance, and Efficacy" with topics such as advances in intelligent tutoring and computer adaptive testing, use of augmented reality applications for training, and limitations of augmented reality as a learning tool.
Summit presenters included Doug Siefken and Nick Scarnato, TransLumen Technologies; Eric Corey, National Institute of Aviation Research (NIAR) – Wichita State University; Cliff Johnson, FAA; Bob Thomas, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach; Braden Tanner, FAA; and Stephanie Fussell, Kent State University. Several presentations provided detailed examples of recently completed and/or ongoing human subject research studies designed to evaluate applications of augmented, extended, and mixed reality in real-world environments. Others focused more on the technologies involved in better integration of virtual and real-world components. Presenters also detailed challenges for effective application, including cybersickness (i.e., simulator sickness) and discomfort following extended periods of use.
Based on the presentations and their reception, the future of aviation training and digital engineering is in good hands. Although it is still early in its adoption, there are certainly promising developments underway. The complete virtual event was recorded with the expectation of providing access to presentation recordings soon.
