The LABY Microworld: A Platform for Research, Training and System Engineering

The LABY microworld, a functional simulation of Air Traffic Control (ATC), captures the underlying processes involved in electronic air traffic management with a simplified version of the operational human-machine interface. LABY is a computer-based human-in-the-loop dynamic environment whereby a controller must issue directional commands to guide aircraft along a predetermined route, while avoiding potential conflicts and dealing concurrently with other incoming information. It can be used for human factors research or system engineering purposes, or configured specifically for use with expert controllers for the training of non-technical skills in ATC. We present a use case of LABY, comparing the efficiency of input devices for ATC: Input times using the mouse were quicker than with the stylus, but error was not greater. We discuss the potential of LABY for system engineering, training and research purposes.