PROJECT TITLE: Applied Game Theory to Enhance ATC Training
Project completed Dec. 2018
Collaborators:
- PI: Dr. Kash Barker, Associate Professor, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Oklahoma
- PI: Dr. James Taylor, Research Coordinator, University of Nebraska-Omaha
- PI: Dr. Jibo He, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Wichita State University
- Co-PI: Dr. S. Lakshmivarahan, Professor of Computer Science, OU
- Students: Srinath Kosaraju (OU), D. Christiansen (UNO), H. Schleu (UNO)
- FAA Sponsor: Jason Demagalski, Technical Training (AJI-2)
- FAA Technical Monitor: Katrin Helbing
Abstract:
Air traffic controllers often work in an uncertain environment. As such, they are trained to operate under normal operating conditions as well as under variations to normal conditions, perhaps even extreme conditions. It is imperative that air traffic controllers be able to make ATC operational decisions that are robust to uncertain outcomes. This project explores the use of decision analysis techniques, game theory in particular, to enhance ATC training for addressing uncertain operating conditions. Such decision analytic and game theoretic approach to ATC training will improve air traffic controller flexibility in handling variations to normal operating conditions, thus improving the resilience of ATC operations.
Expected Project Outcomes:
- Understanding normal and variations to normal ATC operations.
- Documenting decision analysis and game theory approaches to support training for a variety of operating conditions.
- Developing prototype training modules that make use of decision analysis and game theory.
- Deploying the prototype modules in a pilot study.
- Working with the COE and technical contacts to enable and enhance the above goals.
Value of Research:
The team will identify state of the art experiential learning opportunities that are provided through gamification in other sectors and assess their potential to increase knowledge transfer in ATC training. It is anticipated that air traffic control pedagogues and curriculum designers can use outcomes of the research to improve scenario-based training.
This project explores the use of decision analysis techniques (game theory in particular) as well as mixed reality (MR, e.g. Microsoft HoloLens) software platforms to enhance ATC training for addressing such uncertain and “deviations from normal” operating conditions. Augmented Reality (AR) devices have many advantages that the FAA can leverage to improve training experiences, including: Improving learner engagement – AR provides a low-cost immersive environment. Incorporating evolving technologies into the training environment – AR technology is a new technology with training applications (systems training, procedures and processes, video conferencing, and digital reference library).
QUAD CHART AND TECHNICAL POSTERS:
HF002-4-5 2018 Technical Poster
PUBLICATIONS: