Distraction and inattention of operators (such as pilots, controllers, and technicians) is a serious problem in high-risk industries, especially when associated with the use of automation. As operators’ role changes from manual involvement in the control loop to monitoring -- ample opportunities open up to engage in other activities. To further compound the problem, monitoring of automated systems, as opposed to being kinesthetically involved, makes it difficult to comprehend and keep track of the system’s state. Consequently, we see situations where operators have difficulty returning back into the control loop when the automatic system has become inoperable, incapable, or has made an unacceptable response. I will begin this talk by illustrating and elucidating these automation monitoring problems with several examples from airline operations. We will then focus our attention on specific countermeasures involving interface design and training for monitoring to alleviate some of these problems. The talk will conclude with a discussion about the need and process to formulate a manufacturer’s automation philosophy and its implications for automation design, training, and operations. (Author/publisher)
Abstract