Nottingham-based artificial intelligence start up Blueskeye AI has been awarded £20,000 to investigate how face sensing technology can be used to obtain insights about human behaviour in the aircraft cockpit.
The research will identify the key drivers, enablers and barriers to using such technology in aircraft cockpits. It could pave the way for their adoption by the aerospace sector enhancing passenger and crew safety.
The award was made by the Aerospace Unlocking Potential (UP) Programme. Aerospace UP is a £20m European Regional Development Fund project which is in its final year. It aims to help the aerospace supply chain in the Midlands unlock its innovation potential. The project is delivered by the University of Nottingham and the Midlands Aerospace Alliance.
Professor Michel Valstar, founding CEO of BlueSkeye AI, welcomed the award saying: “This award shows the potential of our face scanning software in safety critical environments. Our software uses machine learning to objectively and automatically analyse face and voice data to interpret attention, engagement, tiredness and fatigue as well as medically relevant expressive behaviour and assist in the assessment and monitoring of, and the response to, health, mood and mental state.”
Dr Nicola Deards, technology manager for Midlands Aerospace Alliance, said: “I am delighted to have helped BlueSkeye AI secure an innovation grant as part of the Aerospace UP programme. The company is an excellent example of a business that isn’t currently part of the UK’s aerospace supply chain but has the potential to be so. I would encourage other businesses to follow their example and explore whether they could be eligible for support from the programme.”
The project is due to conclude in March.
