Pilot Mental Workload Classification

Niall McGuire, under the supervision of Dr Yashar Moshfeghi in the Computer and Information Sciences Department at the University of Strathclyde, is utilising ARCHIE-WeSt’s high-performance computing capabilities to develop novel machine learning architectures for analysing neurophysiological data from professional aviators. This research investigates how pilots process information across multiple sensory modalities (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic) within the demanding environment of modern aircraft cockpits. Through the integration of advanced neural signal processing and artificial intelligence, the project aims to achieve real-time detection and classification of cognitive overload through precise monitoring of brain activation patterns. The investigation specifically focuses on understanding the cross-modal effects of cognitive overload, examining how saturation in one sensory channel influences information processing in others. By combining neurophysiological monitoring with advanced machine learning techniques, this research establishes a robust framework for developing next-generation adaptive cockpit information systems. The findings aim to advance aviation safety through the development of intelligent systems capable of optimizing information presentation based on pilots’ cognitive states, thereby enhancing operational effectiveness in complex flight environments.

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