COLLINS AEROSPACE IRELAND, LIMITED

The fast penetration of automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is boosting the adoption of autonomous systems across industries. Known as digitalisation, this trend is also rapidly changing aviation. Indeed, driven by the increasing complexity of the entire aviation ecosystem (aircraft, air traffic control – ATC, airports), digitalisation provides solutions in the form of Digital Assistants (DAs) that, by teaming with their human counterparts (pilots, ATC operators, airport operators), support the execution of tasks to ensure safe and profitable operations in complex scenarios. JARVIS Consortium – led by Collins Aerospace – aims at developing and validating three ATM solutions: an Airborne DA (AIR-DA, TRL4), an ATC-DA (TRL4), and an Airport DA (AP-DA, TRL6). The AIR-DA will increase the level of automation in the flight deck and thanks to AI-based actions will act as enabler towards reduced crew operations and single pilot operations. The adoption of the AIR-DA will allow pilots to deal with complex scenarios without compromising safety, security, while reducing the pilot workload. The ATC-DA will increase the level of automation in control towers, where environmental KPIs and the capacity management of airspace will benefit from the adoption of AI-based technologies. Finally, the AP-DA will increase the level of automation in airports, enhancing safety and security for intrusion detection scenarios. The adoption of AI-driven technologies in the aviation ecosystem represents an appealing concept but entails challenges. JARVIS will address key challenges common to the three different DAs: i) assured AI design, to deliver trustworthy, explainable, safe, and ethical decision-making algorithms; ii) Human AI Teaming, to deliver human-centric designs to maximise the teamwork between humans and autonomous systems; iii) big data and cloud infrastructures for the proper management of data moving from a centralised architecture to a more edge-to-cloud architectures.

EC contribution:

EUR 2M

Start:

2023-06-01

End:

2026-05-31

Status:

SIGNED

Scheme:

HORIZON-JU-RIA

Call:

HORIZON-SESAR-2022-DES-IR-01

View on CORDIS (DOI 10.3030/101114692)

Generative AI (GenAI), such as foundation models, represents a powerful and transformative class of AI capable of learning patterns from data and generating new content. However, GenAI has notable shortcomings that can lead to misuse or hinder its widespread adoption and positive societal and economic impact. These shortcomings stem from its lack of robustness in three key areas: technical, operational, and user robustness. Addressing these challenges in foundation models, especially in the context of human cyber-physical systems (HCPS)—the most demanding GenAI applications in terms of robustness—will pave the way for solutions applicable across various domains, unlocking GenAI's full potential.Building on the EU’s competitiveness in constructing and assuring dependable complex systems, RobustifAI, a 3-year project with a budget around €9M, brings together 18 leading partners spread over 10 EU countries but also Switzerland and India, to tackle the above three-dimensional robustness challenge in GenAI systems. We aim to make a step change to the existing GenAI system development paradigm by developing and promoting a rigorous design and deployment methodology for building robust GenAI systems. The methodology is based on the following three orthogonal innovative axes: (1) techniques to understand, express, and embed human-centric needs within the neural model, (2) principled methods for integrating neural models and symbolic techniques, and (3) enabling the adaptivity of GenAI systems to environmental changes and user variations. RobustifAI will actively contribute to on-going EU initiatives on AI, such as the AI-BOOST project on AI challenges and other EU projects on AI efficiency, autonomous vehicles, or service robots. Its successful execution will secure for the EU a distinct and leading position in more sustainable and socially beneficial AI advancements, and strengthen EU’s vision that technical advances and societal benefits can be achieved simultaneously.

EC contribution:

EUR 361k

Start:

2025-06-01

End:

2028-05-31

Status:

SIGNED

Scheme:

HORIZON-RIA

Call:

HORIZON-CL4-2024-HUMAN-03

View on CORDIS (DOI 10.3030/101212818)

EMPOWR will advance the vision of Industry 5.0 by placing human workers at the centre of next-generation manufacturing through adaptive augmentation technologies. The project develops a cognitive ecosystem that combines Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, and Digital Twins to enhance worker safety, inclusivity, and productivity in industrial environments. Two pilot cases, namely thermoplastic composite layup in aerospace (Automated Fiber Placement) and smart automated PET preform production, will demonstrate the adaptability of the solutions across both low-volume/high-complexity and automated production contexts. At the core of the ecosystem is ALMA (Adaptive Learning Manufacturing Assistant), a multimodal AI assistant designed to provide real-time, personalised support via natural interaction. ALMA is complemented by an adaptive AR workbench, real-time defect detection, worker intention prediction, and strain monitoring systems, all integrated through a standardised DT framework aligned with IDTA and EU standards. Together, these tools create closed-loop interactions between workers, machines, and management systems, enabling predictive guidance, ergonomic optimisation, and early risk prevention. To ensure inclusivity and acceptance, EMPOWR adopts a Living Labs methodology, engaging workers, managers, and stakeholders in participatory co-design, scenario building, and iterative validation. SSH expertise will shape ethical, psychological, and organisational dimensions, ensuring trust, fairness, and compliance with EU AI and OHS regulations. Expected outcomes include reduced defect rates and downtime, improved ergonomics and well-being, faster worker upskilling through adaptive training modules, and actionable insights for EU Industry 5.0 policies. EMPOWR contributes directly to Europe’s twin green and digital transitions, positioning European manufacturing as more resilient, competitive, and attractive for current and future generations.

EC contribution:

EUR 156k

Start:

2026-06-01

End:

2029-05-31

Status:

SIGNED

Scheme:

HORIZON-RIA

Call:

HORIZON-CL4-2025-01

View on CORDIS (DOI 10.3030/101294624)