Researchers at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have pioneered a new artificial intelligence (AI) system for transcribing aviation radio.
In the University’s dedicated Speech and Language AI Lab, the expert team have developed a voice-to-text system for use between pilots and controllers. Radio messaging has so far remained dependent on legacy technology. However, the Embry-Riddle project demonstrates how AI can be used to make communication in aerospace more effective and efficient. The team set out to produce a system that was aviation-specific and could transcribe technical messages accurately.
Andrew Schneider, an assistant professor in the College of Aviation and director of the Speech and Language AI Lab, noted:
Aviation English isn’t standard conversational grammar — it’s a condensed, highly specific phraseology spoken over a noisy radio where words get clipped and specialised jargon abound.
Their research found that radio communications from 12 US airports processed by generic automated speech recognition tools, such as OpenAI’s Whisper, resulted in an 80% word error rate. But Embry-Riddle’s specialised AI system can recognise acronyms and specific aviation-related phrases to produce significantly more accurate transcripts. This will help identify and prevent miscommunication, as well as improve student pilot training.
Kristy Kiernan, associate director of Embry-Riddle’s Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety, added:
In aviation, we have done a great job with using numerical data, but until now we haven’t had the tools to use qualitative data at the same scale. Large language models can open up whole new data sources that we can leverage to improve safety. That’s really exciting
In the future, Schneider and his research partner, Dr Jianhua Liu, want to develop the AI system into a smart co-pilot that can flag inconsistencies between verbal instructions and aircraft behaviour as they happen. This will improve the situational awareness of aircraft. Given that seven of the 20 deadliest aviation accidents were the result of communication errors, technological improvements in this area are essential for enhancing safety.
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