EU-Funded EPIIC Makes Call for Fighter Pilot, Cockpit Innovations

The open call for innovations for the Enhanced Pilot Interfaces & Interactions for Fighter Cockpit (EPIIC) project is open to a wide variety of applicants, including startups, subject matter experts, and research organizations.

The 75 million euro ($81.9 million) project is funded by the European Defense Fund and represents a collaboration of a dozen European countries and 27 manufacturers and research organizations. The goal, according to the organization, is to enhance pilot interfaces in fighter jet cockpits to transform the way they engage with machines.

EPIIC is seeking innovations in identifying and maturing algorithmic techniques that estimate crew conditions, such as situational awareness, perseveration behavior, and emotional state

"These algorithmic techniques should be demonstrated in a laboratory environment provided by the partner," EPIIC said. "As far as possible, this environment should be relevant in terms of tasks to perform in an aeronautical-related environment."

The project is also seeking hardware and algorithm innovations focused on advancing noncontact, gesture-based control interactions as a means to enhance a pilot's operational efficiency.

"Our focus includes evolving technologies like physical controls, displays, HMD [helmet-mounted display], and projections technologies, including VR/AR-based technologies," the project said. "We invite proposals for developing and maturing noncontact, gesture-based algorithms and hardware to reliably and efficiently interact with different systems available within a fighter cockpit environment, addressing challenges like adaptability to gloved hands, robustness in high-vibration environments, and physical integration constraints."

The deadline for registering is January 19, and proposals must be received by March 15. Selected projects will be announced April 5. More information may be found here.