Since August 2025, Professor of the Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Materials Science at Dnipro University of Technology, Serhii Aleksieienko, has been participating in the international research project WrightBros neXt, implemented within the HORIZON TMA MSCA — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions staff exchange program.

     

The aim of the project is to develop next-generation flight simulators without the use of projection systems by applying XR (Extended Reality) technologies, which combine augmented and virtual reality capabilities.

Within the project, Serhii Aleksieienko is working on developing a methodology for assessing the impact of simulator visual systems on pilots’ cognitive load, as well as collecting and analyzing biosignals to objectively measure workload levels and responses.

The international research team continues to expand. Three more researchers from Dnipro University of Technology have joined the project: Andrii Kolb, Associate Professor of the Department of Electrical Engineering; Artem Shyrin, Associate Professor of the Department of Software Engineering; and Dmytro Babets, Professor of the Department of Applied Mathematics.

The research team continues to study projector-free simulators. Currently, Professor Dmytro Babets, Associate Professor Andrii Kolb, and Associate Professor Artem Shyrin are actively involved in the work. At Politechnika Śląska, they conducted experiments with XR immersion capable of replacing traditional projector-based cockpits. Such systems are dozens of times cheaper than conventional simulators, meaning even small aviation schools will be able to train pilots at the level of top academies.

Imagine a future where every aspiring pilot has access to modern simulators. This means greater safety in the skies, fewer accidents, and a real opportunity to make the profession of pilot accessible to thousands of young people worldwide.

      

Over the course of a month, our researchers — Kostiantyn Sosnin, Associate Professor of the Department of Physical Education and Sports; Serhii Prykhodchenko, Associate Professor of the Department of Software Engineering; and Maryna Kyrychenko, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Electrical Power Engineering — worked together with Polish colleagues in the laboratories of Politechnika Śląska on studying image recognition methods for identifying cockpit elements in flight simulators.

     

The focus covers a wide range of technologies: from IR/RGB, Depth, and Event cameras to VR/AR headsets, UWB positioning, active and passive markers, and inertial sensors. These solutions form the basis for new approaches to training future pilots and improving simulation systems.

     

Professor Serhii Aleksieienko and Professor Dmytro Babets continue their active work within the project. 

     

One of the main tasks of Serhii Aleksieienko is to develop a methodology that allows objective assessment of the impact of new visual systems on pilots’ cognitive load.

     

Dmytro Babets analyzes biosignal data (EEG) and explores the application of machine learning approaches to assess cognitive load and detect signs of pilot fatigue. The team has already begun its first experimental studies.

     

The goal is to create a baseline system capable of reliably distinguishing three levels of cognitive load using cognitive tests and biosignal analysis. This will enable the development of simulators that not only replicate flight but also optimally interact with the pilot’s brain.

Andrii Kolb implemented another stage of research at the scientific center of Politechnika Śląska (Poland). His work was focused on achieving high accuracy in measuring pilots’ conditions. The main challenge lies in the fact that during aircraft operation, natural body movements create “noise” in biosignal graphs. Our researcher developed and experimentally validated a method that enables the system to clearly distinguish real mental strain from ordinary physical activity. Thanks to the implementation of context-dependent filtering and the analysis of multimodal physiological data, he succeeded in “cleaning” brain signals from interference and teaching the system to differentiate physical fatigue from cognitive load. This is not just a technical achievement, but a critically important step toward improving flight safety and the effectiveness of pilot training worldwide.

     

The participants of the seminars became familiar with the key concepts of the project and its current progress, received detailed briefings on safety procedures and ethical aspects of the research, discussed methodological approaches, and explored the specifics of working with software and technical tools that will be used in further research activities.Thanks to the implementation of context-dependent filtering and analysis of multimodal physiological data, he managed to “clean” brain signals from interference and teach the system to separate physical fatigue from cognitive load. This is not just a technical achievement, but a critically important step toward improving flight safety and the effectiveness of pilot training worldwide.

     

The seminars include interactive sessions for experience exchange, the formation of interdisciplinary teams, and joint planning of the next stages of research..

Kateryna Serheieva, Associate Professor of the Department of Information Technologies and Computer Engineering, has also joined the research team.

     

Kateryna focuses on a highly important study that combines IT and biomedicine. She is currently engaged in the analysis of biomedical signals to detect pilot fatigue during training in augmented reality (AR). This involves sophisticated work with noise-filtering algorithms and the development of sequential analysis stages that make it possible to transform experimental data into real indicators of a person’s condition.

Active work on the innovative project involving researchers from Dnipro University of Technology continues at Politechnika Śląska. The team includes Professor of the Department of Applied Mathematics Dmytro Babets, Associate Professor of the Department of Software Engineering Serhii Prykhodchenko, as well as new project participants — Associate Professors of the Department of Systems Analysis and Management Andrii Maliienko and Oleksii Aleksieiev.

     

The research focuses on combining modern data analysis methods with extended reality technologies to improve the effectiveness of pilot training. Particular attention is paid to studying human responses and fatigue levels during training in a virtual environment. This makes it possible to develop scientifically grounded approaches to improving training processes. The obtained results are used to create adaptive simulators capable of automatically adjusting to the individual characteristics of each user, ensuring more comfortable and efficient learning. In addition, the team is working on the development of specialized software that integrates smart glasses with a physical aircraft cockpit. This approach ensures precise synchronization of virtual images with real movements of the control stick and cockpit elements, opening up new opportunities for training aviation professionals.