Air Force Invests in Biometric-Driven Technology for Air Traffic Control Training
- jgale346
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
WOBURN, Mass. -- UFA, Inc., a leading developer of aviation safety and training solutions, has been selected by AFWERX for a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II contract in the amount of $1,799,837 for “Revolutionizing Air Traffic Controller Readiness: Mixed Reality and Biometric-Driven Training for Tactical Air Dominance.”
The UFA project aims to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF): the lengthy training cycles and high number of “washouts” (trainees who do not complete training) that have left both civil and military organizations with a critical lack of air traffic controllers. The UFA “Mixed Reality and Biometric-Driven Training for Tactical Air Dominance” project aims to shorten controller training cycles and reduce washout rates by developing and deploying an adaptive simulation system that personalizes air traffic control (ATC) training in real time.
The technology behind the project is complex, integrating advanced biometric sensors, which offer additional data about a trainee’s performance in a simulator exercise, including eye-tracking and stress levels. These physical data points can then be compiled and analyzed along with other trace data from the exercise. The combined analysis allows an adaptation engine to dynamically adjust the trainee’s scenario parameters to meet a specific trainee’s learning needs, continually challenging each individual trainee to improve his or her skills. In essence, the system acts as an expert human instructor, digitally sensing through pattern recognition when a trainee is overwhelmed or under-challenged and adjusting the simulation in real-time to keep them in the optimal learning zone.
The new project promises to offer a significant step forward in addressing the key challenges in ATC training, where high attrition rates, cognitive overload, stress management, and training inefficiencies hinder effective preparation of controllers. In the United States Air Force (USAF), these challenges exacerbate manning shortfalls and delays the USAF’s ability to prepare for tactical air dominance.
Globally, similar issues persist among trainees overwhelmed by intense workloads, communication barriers, and the need to adapt to advanced technologies amid worldwide staffing shortages across civil and military ATC organizations. By leveraging real-time biometric data (e.g. eye tracking, EEG, and voice indicators) to personalize scenarios—easing complexity for overloaded trainees or increasing challenges for those under-engaged—UFA's machine learning-driven, adaptive ATC simulator has the potential to reduce burnout, enhance retention, and accelerate proficiency, ultimately creating safer, more efficient air traffic management worldwide. By integrating this adaptive engine within a high-fidelity mixed reality environment, the system can create scenarios that are not only responsive but also incredibly immersive, better preparing controllers for the high-pressure visual and cognitive demands of a real control tower.
The current award to UFA follows previous investments in crucial technology. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018, which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded. The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have since partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the proposal-to-award timelines, expanding opportunities to small businesses, and eliminating bureaucratic overhead.
David Wolff, CEO of UFA, noted: “The shortage of air traffic controllers is a critical challenge for both national security and civil aviation. This project isn't just about integrating new technology like eye-tracking; it's about fundamentally redesigning the training process. By creating a system that intelligently adapts to each individual trainee, we can reduce washouts, accelerate proficiency, and ensure our skies are managed by the best-prepared controllers in the world. We are proud to partner with the U.S. Air Force on this transformative effort.”
The technological advances from UFA, Inc., supported by this forward-thinking funding, represents an important step in increasing the number of trained air traffic controllers and strengthening the national defense of the United States of America.
About UFA, Inc. UFA, Inc. is a leading developer of aviation safety and training technologies, including industry-leading simulation and voice recognition technologies for air traffic control (ATC) and airside driver training. UFA, which has offices in the U.S., Germany, Canada, and Singapore, partners with top Air Navigation Service Providers, military organizations, universities, and airports around the world to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals to manage complex airport environments safely and efficiently. For more information, visit www.ufainc.com.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at four hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts worth more than $7.24 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: afwerx.com.
About AFRLThe Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace forces. With a workforce spanning across nine technology areas and 40 other operations around the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.
Company Press Contact: Jesse Gale
Vice President, Communications
UFA, Inc.