TOUCH-FLIGHT developed novel concepts of human machine interface and interaction (HMI2) for flight guidance and navigation. This is a new and emerging technology area in the industry, in which there is significant interest from avionics suppliers and airframers. The work involved the use of a tablet-like device to allow the pilot to interact with the aircraft systems directly without needing to reach out to the main instrument panel, glareshield, overhead panel and central pedestal areas.

The research focused on the use of appropriate graphical display layouts coupled with touchscreen gestures to carry out input functions of the pilot on the flight deck. The work was a collaboration between the University of Malta (acting as lead partner) and QuAero Ltd., with the cooperation of Thales Avionics as External Industrial Advisor. The project culminated in the development of a prototype that allows demonstration to industry, and the filing of patents in the US and other countries.

The project team was the recipient of the runner-up award for Scientific Innovation at the 2016 Malta Innovation Awards.