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Iowa draws industry attention for AI-driven mission demo with Lockheed Martin
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Lockheed with University of Iowa Iowa's Operator Performance Laboratory completed an artificial intelligence demonstration using two piloted L-29 aircraft in a simulated air-to-ground mission. OPL is lead by Tom "Mach" Schnell, a professor of industrial and systems engineering and OPL chief test pilot.
Collins Aerospace interns, new hires, and co-ops tour OPL
Thursday, July 20, 2023
A group of new hires, interns, and co-ops, who work in the area of airborne autonomy at Collins Aerospace, toured the University of Iowa Operator Performance Lab flight test facility. Tom “Mach” Schnell, and OPL director, presented the lab to the group and explained how OPL tests and operates autonomy in a variety of contexts.
OPL helps evaluate LIFT’s new fixed wing AV 2.2 helmet
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
The University of Iowa’s Operator Performance Lab (OPL) was among those who evaluated the next generation fixed wing helmet that was recently selected by the U.S. Air Force as the new standard helmet for many of its aircraft.
Flyover State: Iowa Engineers Set Their Sights on the Future of Aviation
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Tom Schnell, an associate director for the UI’s Iowa Technology Institute and the Captain Jim “Max” Gross Chair in the UI College of Engineering, is the founder of the Operator Performance Laboratory. Since arriving in Iowa City 25 years ago this spring, Schnell has built the OPL into a nationally trusted aviation research hub.
U.S. Department Of Defense Artificial Intelligence Agents Successfully Pilot A Fighter Jet Making AI History
Friday, February 17, 2023
Air Force test pilots have flown numerous live flights in L-29 jet trainers at the University of Iowa Technology Institute’s Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL), an ACE performer. The two-seat L-29 jets at OPL are outfitted with sensors in the cockpit to measure pilot physiological responses, giving researchers clues as to whether the pilot is trusting the AI or not.
The Register: Wow, so they actually let AI fly an F-16 fighter jet
Friday, February 17, 2023
DARPA is also testing how human pilots interact with AI to examine how well they trust machines to automatically conduct dogfights. Air Force pilots have flown L-29 jet trainers also running AI algorithms at the University of Iowa Technology Institute's Operator Performance Laboratory.
CBJ: UI flight expert briefs DARPA on AI in aerial combat
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL) director and University of Iowa industrial engineering professor Tom “Mach” Schnell briefed national security leaders on a project seeking to improve artificial intelligence in aerial combat.
DARPA highlights UI's contribution as ACE program transitions from simulation to live flight
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
In less than three years, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms developed under DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program have progressed from controlling simulated F-16s flying aerial dogfights on computer screens to controlling an actual F-16 in flight. University of Iowa's Operator Performance Lab has contributed to the progress.
WATCH: Schnell, LTC Highland brief DARPA on Air Combat Evolution
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Tom "Mach" Schnell, a University of Iowa industrial engineering professor and director of Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL), and Lt. Col. Patrick "Dice" Highland, a recent UI PhD and Commander of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Detachment 3 in San Diego, Calif., briefed national security leaders on a project that aims to improve artificial intelligence in aerial combat.
Iowa legislators visit campus for up-close view of UI research
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
A delegation of Iowa legislators, staffers, and state officials visited the University of Iowa campus for an immersive experience with researchers who study aggressive cancer, manufacture pharmaceuticals, test new aircraft systems, and delve into biblical studies.
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