A new study by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has shown that automated speech recognition technology can be used in safety-critical areas such as air traffic control. EML Speech Technology GmbH, based in Heidelberg, is now licensing this technology to offer it in the field of air traffic control. The aim is to reduce the workload of air traffic controllers and improve efficiency in flight control.
DLR researcher Prof. Hartmut Helmke led the development of this speech understanding system, which he believes can significantly improve flight control and reduce environmental impact. Through extensive testing at DLR’s Institute of Flight Guidance, researchers have demonstrated that the technology can significantly decrease the number of manual inputs required by air traffic controllers, leading to a reduction in workload and improved situational awareness.
The use of automated speech recognition has already been proven effective in various air traffic control environments, including en route flights, arrival and departure control, and airport taxiing traffic management. This reduction in manual inputs not only lowers the workload of air traffic controllers but also enables more efficient traffic management, resulting in potential fuel savings of up to 60 liters of kerosene per approach near airports.
As demand for air traffic control technologies continues to grow, advancements in automated speech recognition systems offer promising solutions to enhance safety and efficiency in aviation operations. EML Speech Technology GmbH’s licensing agreement with DLR is a significant step towards making this cutting-edge technology available for broader use
