EESE’s Human Interface Technologies (HIT) Team is one of only three UK academic organisations to be selected to take part in a challenging 2-year research project instigated by BAE Systems. The EESE researchers will be addressing Human Factors issues of advanced interactive technologies and interaction concepts for Future Mission Systems. The Team will be collaborating with other researchers from the University of Liverpool and the Science & Technology Facilities Council at Daresbury.

Nick Colosimo, the Advanced Systems & Architectures Manager at BAE Systems’ Future Projects & Technology Division at Warton said, "The Future Mission Systems programme is designed to stretch the boundaries of the art of the possible in the complex world of future avionics (aircraft electronics). This includes the exploration of advanced forms of human machine interface (HMI), the vital link between a human pilot or commander and the aircraft. The programme is led by BAE Systems and involves a range of academic partners including the University of Birmingham where the Human Interface Technologies Team, led by Professor Bob Stone, was selected to explore advanced forms of HMI. The work seeks to draw upon state of the art virtual and augmented reality technologies with expert consultancy being provided by Professor Stone on a range of other related areas. Bob's team were selected to participate in this programme because they have a reputation for being leaders in the field and have a strong and award-winning track record in undertaking research for the Ministry of Defence."

BAE Systems have also sponsored a new PhD CASE Studentship within the HIT Team.  Chris Bibb, who graduated this year with an MEng in Computer Systems Engineering, starts his research in October and will be looking at the design and usability of Augmented Reality technologies for aircraft and other complex platform maintenance support.