News

Dr. Md Nazmus Sakib has just secured a three-year $399,871 National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Grant titled "Transforming Compliance Training for Drone Operators through an Extended Reality and Generative Artificial Intelligence-Driven System". 

The Co-PIs on the project are Drs. Zhe Yin (CE), Somin Park (CE), and Md Mahmudur Rahman (IMSE). 

This three-year project aims to develop SKYGEN-XR (Smart Knowledge to Fly with GenAI and XR), an advanced training system that integrates XR and GenAI to enhance drone operation education in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. As unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) become vital tools in AEC, their use in complex environments brings safety risks and requires compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations. SKYGEN-XR plans to address the gaps in the traditional training methods by introducing an immersive, AI-assisted platform that combines regulatory instruction with realistic, scenario-based simulations. The project aims to improve safety, regulatory compliance, and operational proficiency by providing innovative, interactive, and personalized learning experiences.

The project team will actively collaborate with the College of Education at UTA, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and K-12 partner institute. Once developed, the SKYGEN-XR will be implemented in Dr. Yin's Drones & Advanced Construction Technology course at the UTA and K-12 partner institutions.