hipe

Honeywell Aerospace is testing voice recognition capabilities inside aircraft cockpits using a newly developed prototyping system.

Called the Honeywell Innovative Prototyping Environment (HIPE), the testing system is said to clear way to install new technologies into flight decks, including voice recognition, a touch screen and gesture control.

The system is designed to allow pilots to replace a traditional multipurpose control display unit with a tablet.

Honeywell installed HIPE on an Embraer ERJ170 aircraft, to flight test voice recognition.

"The system is designed to allow pilots to replace a traditional multipurpose control display unit with a tablet."

The company is working closely with pilots and customers to evaluate its usability, safety and efficiency in a real-time environment.

Honeywell said in a statement: "This advanced engineering and testing will more rapidly make voice recognition in cockpits a reality.

"Voice can be especially helpful in the cockpit when calling up infrequently used commands or menus, for which the crew might otherwise spend significant time searching."

Using the voice recognition capability, pilots will be able to eliminate manual steps required to execute a command, allowing them to focus on flying the aircraft.

Part of the Honeywell User Experience, HIPE plays a key role in testing next-generation concepts such as voice recognition.

Image: The Honeywell Innovative Prototyping Environment is said to clear the way to install new technologies into flight decks. Photo: courtesy of Honeywell International Inc.