ASPIDA: Sunlight Group “shielding” pilots with innovative bio-metric device

R&D is at the heart of the Sunlight Group and extroversion is one of our most significant pursuits. Both these aspects of our operation are reflected in the company’s participation as implementation partner in a wide range of innovative research projects, to which we offer our expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, and facilities. This platform is dedicated to such projects.

The ASPIDA project

ASPIDA means “Shield” in Greek. In the context of the project, it also derives from the initials of its name in Greek “Autonomous Monitoring System of Bio-Indicators/Parameters”(Αυτόνομο Σύστημα Παρακολούθησης βΙο – Δεικτών/πΑραμέτρων). The research project is part of the NSRF (National Strategic Reference Framework) Operational Programme “Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, 2014-2020.” It started on December 2018, concludes at end of 2021, and is implemented in collaboration with the International Hellenic University.

ASPIDA pertains to developing an autonomous system to monitor biological indicators-parameters of aircraft pilots, record data, and issue notifications for their physical and psychological state – the ultimate goal being to prevent aviation accidents caused by human error.

In the context of ASPIDA, a device was developed, using “smart” sensors to monitor and record important measurements, such as body temperature, heart rate, oxygen levels, lung capacity, etc.

The device is powered by lithium-ion batteries, selected for their supreme performance regarding the needs of the project, and managed by a Battery Management System (BMS), developed by Sunlight. The Sunlight team also manufactured the device box, applying a curve-like design to fit the body and not cause discomfort to the end-user.

“Smart” sensors and other Machine Learning and AI tools are some of the cutting-edge technologies tested and used at Sunlight – on both experimental and operational level. A technology-agnostic company, we make the most of Industry 4.0 applications, offering better flexibility, functionality, and performance –  our goal being to create innovative and sustainable products that serve our customers and improve people’s lives.

The ASPIDA device

The Sunlight Team

Hence our pride for contributing to ASPIDA and its potential to save lives. Because, while initially developed for aircraft operators of both military and civil aviation, its “smart” indicators-measuring sensors can also be used in other health-monitoring applications.

The dedicated team that worked on ASPIDA comprises Symeon Parcharidis, Project Coordinator; Pelagia Alexandridou, Ioannis Chistodoulou, Aristoklis Karamanidis, Stamatis Kerasidis and Anestis Topalidis, Researchers; and Georgios Apostolidis, Technical staff. They were supported by a team of scientists from the International Hellenic University.