NASA and Boeing test new airport taxi and runway safety technologies

Researchers at NASA’s Ames Research Center have collaborated with Boeing to conduct field tests aimed at modernizing commercial airline systems and improving airport efficiency. The initiative focuses on three primary areas: digital taxi information, safe taxiways, and safe runways.

During digital taxi testing, pilots received guidance directly via cockpit displays or tablets rather than through verbal instructions from air traffic controllers. This method allowed aircraft to follow digital routes autonomously, reducing the workload for both pilots and controllers while minimizing the risk of verbal communication errors.

Additionally, sensor technology was utilized to enhance situational awareness. During testing, sensors successfully identified vehicles or other aircraft impeding taxi paths or runways. In one instance, the system flagged a vehicle on a runway during a Boeing aircraft's landing approach, providing critical awareness to prevent potential collisions. Future developments aim to integrate these sensor and digital taxi systems into simulated air traffic control environments to evaluate broader airspace management benefits.