The Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences at the University of Zagreb is conducting advanced experiments in its Air Traffic Control Laboratory as part of the SESAR research project AWARE (Achieving Human-Machine Collaboration with Artificial Situational Awareness).
The project explores how an AI assistant can support air traffic controllers in their daily tasks by monitoring airspace and interpreting controllers’ goals and intentions. Using the concept of artificial situational awareness, the system adapts its support to match the situation and the controller’s needs. Current experiments focus on collecting data essential for training the assistant.
International Collaboration
This phase of the experiments involves 20 Ukrainian air traffic controllers, who participate throughout September 2025, with groups of five taking part each week. The research is led by doctoral candidate Kristina Samardžić, in collaboration with doctoral candidate Ivan Tukarić, and supported by experts from the University of Zurich and Tern Systems.
Cutting-Edge Technology
The experiments are conducted on Polaris, Tern Systems’ state-of-the-art air traffic management platform, using scenarios set in simulated Swedish airspace. Researchers are gathering data on traffic situations, system interactions, controller intentions, biometrics, and more. These insights will be used to develop machine learning models capable of recognizing controllers’ objectives and offering real-time operational support.
