London's Heathrow Airport and Singapore's Changi Airport are testing an advanced AI-based system to assist air traffic controllers. The Artificial Intelligence for Managing Integrated Environmental Elements (Aimee) system uses 360-degree panoramic vision and analyzes multiple data sources, including live video feeds and transcribed voice commands from pilots, to enhance monitoring of aircraft as they taxi, take off, and land.
Aimee analyzes data from various sources to track aircraft movements and predict potential conflicts. The AI system flags potential issues and nudges controllers to focus on specific areas, improving situational awareness and reducing the risk of accidents. Aimee is designed to work alongside human controllers, providing them with real-time information and suggestions to enhance decision-making.
The use of AI in air traffic control has the potential to improve efficiency, enhance safety, and increase capacity. By detecting potential conflicts and alerting controllers, AI can help prevent accidents and improve overall safety. AI-powered systems can also help airports handle increased traffic without rebuilding facilities or expanding existing infrastructure.
NATS, the UK's air navigation service provider, is conducting trials using Aimee to assist air traffic controllers at Heathrow Airport. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Searidge Technologies to explore the application of AI in air traffic management. The trials aim to assess the effectiveness of AI in improving air traffic control and potentially paving the way for future implementation.
