Air Traffic ManagementSeptember 16, 2022

Innovative Algorithms Reducing ATCO Workload

Skyguide and SKYSOFT-ATM in collaboration with Leonardo, NATS and HungaroControl completed real time simulations (RTS) at skyguide premises in Geneva, Switzerland, mid of June. This RTS has been conducted in the frame of Solution 96 “Attention Guidance” within SESAR 2020 Project PJ.10-W2 PROSA addressing the reduction of air traffic controller (ATCO) workload using an innovative algorithm at the controller working position (CWP).

The principle is to fade-out largely non-conflictual flights to reduce the number of flights scanned by the ATCO. A flight in fade out will be displayed in a colour close to the screen background colour. The use of an eye tracker provided by NATS during the RTS will contribute to assess the new functionality concerning the flights scanned by the ATCO and his/her reaction time upon visual cues.

Thanks to the project’s developments, the CWP is enriched by an innovative functionality that reduces significantly the ATCO workload. Controllers participating in this SESAR validation campaign have responded enthusiastically to the introduction of this new functionality.

The SESAR project PJ.10-W2 PROSA is under the lead of DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung and is paving the way for the future of air traffic management by offering ATCOs even more efficient and innovative tools. The project has received funding from the SESAR Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 874464.