The aim of E-PILOTS is to explore 'intelligent cockpits' through the use of cognitive computing to assist flight crew in their decision-making process.

  • DatesJanuary 2019-December 2021
  • SponsorEU Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking (JU) under grant agreement No. 831993
  • Funded€796k (total)
  • PartnersUniversitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain), Aslogic (Spain), Centre de Visió per Computador (Spain)

E-PILOTS will pave the way towards single pilot operations for commercial air transport by creating a 'human-machine symbiosis', where machine learning operates hand-in-hand with the crew. One of the machine learning algorithms functions as a prediction tool for an adverse event, using Cranfield University’s extensive Flight Data Monitoring database. This will be complemented by another algorithm that monitors the crew’s cognitive states. This concept will be demonstrated through a case study involving go-around decision-making in the Rolls-Royce Future System Simulator at Cranfield University.

Progress update

After two years, two machine learning algorithms have been developed: one to predict hard landing events, and the other to monitor the pilot’s cognitive states in terms of mental workload. In 2021, these algorithms will be incorporated into Cranfield University’s Future System Simulator, for verification and validation of the use case using airline pilots. All learning points from this project will be consolidated into a roadmap, that outlines the required initiatives and time frame for the realisation of single pilot operation in commercial air transport.


Further information

Find out more by visiting the project website, LinkedIn and Twitter.