Air Force Autonomous Capabilities

My team had the privilege of collaborating with DARPA ACE and AFRL’s AACO initiative to design and develop the Autonomous Aircraft Teaming Interface (AATI). This innovative technology offers exceptional situational awareness for pilots and engineers operating the X-62A VISTA, a state-of-the-art experimental aircraft that can simulate a variety of operations.

We aimed to instill trust between the humans and machine by creating an easy and efficient interface enabling pilots and engineers to view the AI’s intentions and the status of the aircraft, as well as the ability to interfere if necessary. To facilitate combat scenarios, the AATI displays data for your ownship, friendlies, and adversaries on a tactical display that includes an adjustable compass, G and Altitude gauges, and interoperability with various aircrafts.

The AATI is installed on a GETAC tablet that pilots can either have in their lap or on a mount, although it does add to the already crowded cockpit. We needed to consider a variety of challenges, including pilot mobility, gloves, clutter, sound, and the cognitive overload of multiple displays.

We conducted a series of tests in the fall of 2022, and our interface proved to be highly successful. Pilots and engineers alike really appreciated having a window into the AI’s “thoughts.”