Design and positioning of an HMI for cooperative working between human air traffic controller and digital controller

The scarcity of human air traffic control officers (ATCO) and the advancements in automation and artificial intelligence have prompted the investigation of novel concepts in air traffic management (ATM). A notable concept is that of single controller operation (SCO), which involves a symbiotic collaboration between human and digital ATCO. This paradigm shift in the nature of work demands a re-evaluation of the roles and responsibilities of human air traffic control officers. In addition to operating their dedicated aircraft, human ATCOs are charged with the oversight of aircraft guided by the digital controller within the same sector. The interaction with the digital controller necessitates the design and configuration of the human-machine interface (HMI), which facilitates these interactions to be self-explanatory and solvable in short time. This study will methodically compare two different HMI designs, each integrated into the existing working position of the human ATCO. One design is based on a flight strip design, whereas the second design is on a separated display. The evaluation of the designs is conducted through a workshop involving ten experts in the field of ATM, followed by validation using a prototype of two designs indifferent scenarios. These consists out of a conflict, an emergency and a direct, which includes a redirection of an airplane. The validation of the designs is conducted by the ATCO and experts in ATM. The conclusion of the workshop's outcomes and the validation of the prototypes culminates that the integration of a future HMI, designed for collaborative operation between human and digital ATCO, should be seamlessly incorporated into the prevailing working position. In the event that implementation of the HMI into the existing interface is not possible, it is imperative that its design align closely with existing HMI designs and be positioned in close proximity to existing displays, ensuring that the HMI remains within the field of view of the human ATCO. In the study the ATM experts prefer the separated display design.