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<\/figure>Air taxis may become an important part of the U.S. transportation ecosystem, quickly carrying people relatively short distances \u2013 and eventually some may fly without a pilot aboard. NASA is helping prepare for that future with research to ensure that fully autonomous flight technology is safe.<\/p>\n
Currently, a NASA study team is evaluating how autonomous software can work with flight navigation tools. And to get that information, they\u2019re investigating how human pilots interact with the new flight navigation technology.<\/p>\n
This work, involving the agency\u2019s research pilots<\/a>, software developers<\/a>, and flight engineers, is critical for NASA\u2019s Advanced Air Mobility<\/a> mission, which envisions a future of new air transportation options including air taxis and delivery drones. The research is part of an automation software development collaboration<\/a> between NASA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the aircraft manufacturer Sikorsky.<\/p>\n During an upcoming test, NASA research pilot Scott \u201cJelly\u201d Howe will wear specially designed glasses that track the movement of his pupils, as well as biometric sensors that measure his body temperature and brain activity during flight. Data gathered will include Howe\u2019s real-time reactions to ground control instructions, aircraft controls, the presence of other aircraft, and weather. The research will also monitor his use of a specially designed tablet into which he will select algorithm suggested flight path options and manually input commands.<\/p>\n Biometric indicators such as dilated pupils, increased brain activity, elevated heart rate, respiration, and temperature can reveal when a pilot is experiencing excessive workload or heightened stress levels. The data gathered through this study will provide insight into pilots\u2019 tendencies during flight. NASA researchers will use that data to improve future autonomous systems, so they can respond to hazards like human pilots would, paving the way for air taxi operations in the U.S. airspace<\/p>\n \u201cThe biometric devices we employ enable us to quantify physiological aspects that are typically subconscious,\u201d said NASA human factors researcher Dr. Tyler Fettrow. \u201cThrough these devices, we capture eye tracking data, providing insights into where the pilot\u2019s attention is focused, the duration of their fixations, and changes in pupil dilation.\u201d<\/p>\n This type of human-factors research is important because of the unique challenges involved with integrating air taxis in the existing airspace system, where autonomous systems will have to avoid obstacles like other aircraft, buildings, birds, and weather. NASA is looking at the larger blueprint of how these aircraft will be integrated into the national airspace.<\/p>\n \u201cAdvanced Air Mobility systems typically involve a high degree of automation and interaction between the humans and technology,\u201d Fettrow said. \u201cDesigning interfaces that provide clear situational awareness, appropriate alerts and notifications, and effective communication channels is vital for safe operations.\u201d<\/p>\nShare<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n