svartboks

Svartboks is a term used in Swedish and Norwegian to refer to a black box—a device or system whose internal workings are hidden or opaque, while its inputs and outputs are observable. The term is used in various fields, but it is most closely associated with aviation, where it denotes flight recorders that collect data about a flight and crew communications.

Svartboks typically consists of two components: a flight data recorder (FDR) and a cockpit voice recorder (CVR). The FDR stores many hours of flight parameters, such as speed, altitude, and control settings, while the CVR records cockpit conversations and crew alarms. These devices are designed to withstand severe conditions and are intended to facilitate post-accident investigations and safety improvements. International standards, such as those established by ICAO and national aviation authorities, regulate the installation, performance, and data retention of svartboks.

Outside aviation, svartboks can refer to any black-box system in science and engineering—an entity whose internal structure is not analyzed directly. In software engineering, black-box testing evaluates functionality from a user perspective without inspecting code. In AI and machine learning, models may function as black boxes, with decisions inferred from inputs and outputs rather than from transparent internal rules; researchers pursue explainability to reveal underlying logic.

Access to svartboks data is typically restricted to authorized investigators and regulators, and may be subject to privacy and legal constraints. The concept remains a useful metaphor for systems whose inner workings are opaque, yet whose behavior can be observed and analyzed.