A few weeks ago at FlightSimExpo, “#FSExpoFriday” delivered a parade of new product announcements — and none captured our collective attention like the virtual Air Traffic Control add-on called “SayIntentions.AI”. While flight sims have long endeavored to bring computer-generated ATC, few interact solely by voice — and none yet have delivered truly unscripted responses. Founder Brian Shellabarger had described the difference between computer algorithms triggering responses, and what he called “real AI” which functions more as a fluid, real-time language processor. Much as MSFS2020 represented a quantum leap forward from previous sims in terms of scenery, SayIntentions’ demo portrayed their product as an equally astounding breakthrough in computer-based ATC.
Brian graciously accepted my invitation to come on and talk how his project started, how it has progressed, and where he intends to take it. Once we finished our overview, as an apropos nod to this year’s and last year’s…