AI Challenge for Pilot Assist seeks proposals for faculty-led student teams
Faculty members in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University are invited to participate in the AI Challenge for Pilot Assist, a new competition hosted through a collaboration between Honeywell Aerospace Technologies and the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, part of the Fulton Schools.
The challenge invites faculty-led student teams to develop innovative AI-driven solutions that support pilots and improve aviation safety. Research focus areas include human performance, natural language processing, emergency response, flight planning and the identification of novel in-flight situations.
Potential projects range from connecting pilot actions with air traffic control instructions to developing AI tools that summarize Notices to Airmen, or NOTAMs, and provide real-time alerts based on flight conditions.
The initiative is led by Jia Zou, assistant professor of computer science and engineering, and Gail-Joon Ahn, professor of computer science and engineering. In addition to providing students with hands-on industry experience, the challenge offers faculty members opportunities to explore new research directions at the intersection of artificial intelligence, human-machine teaming, data analytics and safety-critical systems.
The first team application deadline is Friday, July 31, 2026. Finalists will receive mentorship from Honeywell experts and participate in presentations throughout the 2026–2027 academic year.