Next-Generation Aircraft Collision Avoidance

Prof. Mykel Kochenderfer of Stanford University presents a decision theoretic approach for designing the TCAS collision avoidance logic that significantly enhances robustness and supports next generation airspace. The approach involves leveraging a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) formulation to automatically derive optimized collision avoidance logic directly from a set of performance metrics and probabilistic encounter models. The resulting collision avoidance system is in the process of becoming the next international standard for collision avoidance for both manned and unmanned aircraft. This talk outlines the general approach and discusses the anticipated impact on development, safety, and operation.