A-PiMod: A New Approach to Solving Human Factors Problems with Automation

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present a new adaptive automation concept which (1) addresses the still open human factors problems with automation from a team centred perspective and (2), as part of this, offers a new 'team' centred approach to solving these problems. In so doing, this paper poses questions about what it means to work in a team, what kind of expertise a third crew member (i.e. automation) offers, and how team members might share information about their state, intentions and actions. In elucidating this new automation concept, this paper introduces new role/work practice concepts for pilots, and a potential roadmap for adaptive automation and single crew operations.

Adaptive Automation and the Third Pilot

“…Thus, the theoretical starting point for addressing human factors issues with automation (specifically, teamwork, task distribution, authority, situation awareness, error detection and workload management), is the assessment of the crew/automation/aircraft/environment state in relation to the achievement of the mission level goal (i.e. mission level risk assessment), and the identification of a suitable task distribution at cockpit/agent level, to achieve this [1,2]. So conceived, automation has a role in relation to (1) real-time risk assessment, (2) the identification of a course of action, (3) the selection and subsequent implementation of a course of action, and (4) the identification of an appropriate task distribution based on the crew state [1,2].…”

“…mission level risk assessment), and the identification of a suitable task distribution at cockpit/agent level, to achieve this [1,2]. So conceived, automation has a role in relation to (1) real-time risk assessment, (2) the identification of a course of action, (3) the selection and subsequent implementation of a course of action, and (4) the identification of an appropriate task distribution based on the crew state [1,2].…”

“…traffic and weather), and the crew state (i.e. fatigue, confusion) [1,2]. With increasing duty time and traffic growth, pilots can benefit from an 'experience aid'.…”

“…With increasing duty time and traffic growth, pilots can benefit from an 'experience aid'. Ideally, the crew and the 'experience aid' (or assistance system) comprise a cooperative system [1,2]. This cooperative system approach follows the cognitive systems engineering frameworks, as advanced by Hollnagel and Woods [3].…”

“…In its current form, automation does not take into consideration the pilot's cognitive and emotional state. Rather, automation provides assistance based on explicit and static task assignments, with no adaptive capabilities, even though it is capable of providing higher or lower levels of support depending on the crew state and/or complexity of the operational situation [1,2,4]. It is argued that safety is optimised when human and automated systems adapt both to each other and to the specific operational context.…”