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Project 2: Aerospace

In this project, we are collaborating with the Royal Netherlands Air Force and multiSIM. Training for effective performance in areas such as aviation and aerospace has been a challenge since their creation. Training in VR simulators can offer a better solution than expensive and complex high-fidelity flight simulators. With the use of neurophysiological sensors it can also allow for better evaluation of learning and task performance.

Brain-Computer interaction in aerospace  

Partners

The project 

In this project we study what happens in the brain and body during flight tasks in VR, desktop, high-fidelity and real-flight training. We use this knowledge to, with the help of neurophysiological sensing, monitor the mental state of pilots with a goal of optimizing training. In this way, we aim to show how VR training can be an effective addition in the training of pilots.  

We look at factors such how, by measuring the brain activity, we can detect the pilot’s cognitive workload. With reliable detection, we can modify the training environment on individual basis. We can also compare the neurophysiological responses of pilots in real flights, simulations, and in VR. 

During the research, an extensive systematic review has been carried out, as well as a statistical analysis of electroencephalographic (EEG) data, questionnaires, and flight logs. In May 2022, an experimental study took place. Pilots performed flight tasks in a VR simulation, while EEG data and behavioral data were measured. In June and July 2023, EEG-data has been collected from both simulations and real flights. 

On the base of the collected data, we perform analyses, to find an answer to the question how VR training can be an effective addition to pilot training.

What is the added value of virtual reality training for pilots?

Scientific publications and conferences

2024

  • van Weelden, E., van Beek, C. W. E., Alimardani, M., Wiltshire, T. J., Ledegang, W. D., Groen, E. L., & Louwerse, M. M. (2024). Differentiating Workload using Pilot’s Stick Input in a Virtual Reality Flight Task [Manuscript submitted for publication]. arXiv:2309.09619v2 [cs.HC]. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2309.09619
  • van Weelden, E., van Beek, C. W. E., Alimardani, M., Wiltshire, T. J., Ledegang, W. D., Groen, E. L., & Louwerse, M. M. (in press). A Passive Brain-Computer Interface for Predicting Pilot Workload in Virtual Reality Flight Training. Department of Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence, Tilburg University. In Proceedings of 4th IEEE International Conference on Human-Machine Systems, Toronto, Canada.

2023

  • van Weelden, E., Wiltshire, T. J., Alimardani, M., & Louwerse, M. M. (2023). Exploring the Impact of Virtual Reality Flight Simulations on EEG Neural Patterns and Task Performance [Manuscript submitted for publication]. Department of Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence, Tilburg University.

2022

  • van Weelden, E., Alimardani, M., Wiltshire, T. J., & Louwerse, M. M. (2022a). Aviation and Neurophysiology: a Systematic Review. Applied Ergonomics, 105(1), 103838. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103838
  • van Weelden, E., Wiltshire, T. J., Alimardani, M., & Louwerse, M. M. (2022b). Comparing Presence, Workload, and Performance in Desktop and Virtual Reality Flight Simulations. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 66(1), 2006–2010. https://doi.org/10.1177/1071181322661096

2021