Module 6: Workload & Automation

Alexandersson, E. (2003). Human error in aviation. Retrieved January 19, 2007, from http://www.tfhs.se/docs/student/enskilda%20arbeten/Human%20Error%20in%20Aviation.pdf

There is nothing better than an old aircraft! The are big, loud, and you really have to put some muscle into it when you fly!

Except…they weren’t very human friendly!

Today’s aircraft have automation meant to reduce human workload and error. It is a resource and tool for the flight crew What is this nifty tool called automation? Automated systems utilize a machine to complete a task that was once completed by a human (Billing’s Definition). The definition of what automation is dynamic and relative to the present environment. With time automation has evolved from an electric starter to autothrottles to unmanned aircraft and has included a more “human centered” approach. Next >

Automation is great..and it can make you lazy! My good friend Prinzel III (2003) tells me automation can increase the accessibility of available technology, increase the reliability of equipment, address safety concerns, reduce workload, provide increased levels of precision in flight maneuvers/navigation, reduce flight deck space, and fulfill special requirements (instrument approaches/military applications) to name a few… Prinzel III, L.J. (2003 Team centered perspective for adaptive automation design. (NASA/TM-2003-212154). Langley, VA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Langley Research Center. Next > Prinzel III, L.J. (2003 Team centered perspective for adaptive automation design. (NASA/TM-2003-212154). Langley, VA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Langley Research Center.

However, Automation is not all positive! It can be a source of threats and errors. Prinzel III (2003) also tells me that automation can change the task and/or make it more complex resulting in increased workload, cognitive demands, and increased levels of situational awareness. By not understanding or accommodating for automated systems or expecting them to do something that they can’t/won’t, operators may actually increase the chance of error. Next >

There are different levels of automation from Level 1 (minimal automation with the user making the final decision) to Level 10 (full automation using “black box technology” where the user is out of the decision making process) What types of automation are available? Next >

Here’s a chart to show you the levels of automation Next > Krey, N. (1992). Automation, airmanship, and the next generation of training. Presented at 45th International Air Safety Seminar. Retrieved February 10, 2008, rom http://s92270093.onlinehome.us/FlightDeck/pubs/saepaper/index.htm

As an aircraft designer you ask: “What type of automation should we use for our aircraft?” Next >

Level 10 Automation The Fitts’ List Level 1 Automation Automation Available Automation Utilized Click on the topics above to explore Automation in Aircraft Design Next >

Level 1 is minimal automation where its use is supplemental. The automation is doing little if anything physical for the pilot, but instead “helping.” The final decision rests with the pilot. An example would be a Crew Warning system. A light illuminates telling of low engine oil pressure, the pilot then decide how she/he will respond. This type of automation would be most advisable where risk is high and variables are numerous as well as dynamic in nature. < Back to Topics Next > Level 1 Automation

Level 10 automation leaves the operator out of the entire decision process and often uses “black box” technology where the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How are hidden from the operator. An example of Level 10 automation would be an automatic fuel crossfeed system where a fuel control computer monitors fuel quantity and determines when to activate valves and pumps to move fuel within the system. Often this occurs without pilot concurrence or knowledge. Higher levels of automation are advisable where the decision is black and white or where the decisions are low-risk in nature. < Back to Topics Next > Level 10 Automation

Automation attempts to take the best from both worlds and integrate it together into a safe and efficient system. Automated systems utilize the computer to do what they are good at and the human to do what they are good at. And what is the computer and the human good at you might ask? Psychologist Paul Fitts wondered the same thing, did some research, and constructed the Fitts’ List Explore the Fitts’ List < Back to Topics Next > The Fitts’ List

Exercising Judgement Inductive Reasoning Perceiving Patterns Improvising and using flexible procedures The Fitts’ List These are things that Humans are good at! Next > Cummings, M.E. (2006, September.). Automation bias in intelligent time critical decision support systems. Retrieved January 31, 2008, from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics Web site http://web.mit.edu/aeroastro/www/labs/halab/papers/CummingsAIAAbias.pdf

Responding quickly to control tasks Handling many complex tasks simultaneously Deductive Reasoning Repetitive and routine tasks The Fitts’ List These are the things Computers are good at! < Back to Fitts’ List Cummings, M.E. (2006, September.). Automation bias in intelligent time critical decision support systems. Retrieved January 31, 2008, from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics Web site http://web.mit.edu/aeroastro/www/labs/halab/papers/CummingsAIAAbias.pdf

The level of automation available is considered during the aircraft or equipment design process. Factors used to determine the level utilized include effectiveness, efficiency, safety, predictability, ability to teach Mode Awareness (level operator understands what automation is doing). Where automation may be inefficient or ineffective, training and procedures are used to fill the gap. < Back to Topics Next > Automation Available

The level of automation utilized is a function of operator/flightcrew decision. However, in some cases this has been decided during the design process. The choice to use automation is based on many factors including workload, fatigue, reliability, personality, attitudes toward automation, ease of use (design), environmental conditions, etc. Differences among individual users are also a major contributor. < Back to Topics Next > Automation Utilized

As you can see, there are lots of positives in the use of automation. But there can be some serious human factors issues at play! Next >

They never had too much Automation Bias in these big old airplanes. Next >

This can lead to complacency with the result being the human relies on the automated system to seek and process information. Essentially the human disengages, blindly accepts the automation is doing the right thing, and falls “out of the loop.” Computers and automated systems change the interaction between the human and his/her environment. Often things occur in those “black boxes” that the human can’t understand or doesn’t even know about Next >

Automation can also lead to errors in expectation (the automation isn’t doing what I expected that it will do), under stimulation, loss of situational awareness, and loss of skill sets. Automation changes the interaction between the Liveware and Hardware/Software components… This change may be good…but it may also be bad! Next >

So what do we do about Automation Bias? Do we take the pilot out of the flightdeck? (Click on your choice below) Yes No Next >

So where does that leave us in the future? It is no secret that many in the industry would like to get rid of pilots all together. This would certainly take “pilot error” out of the mix and probably increase safety. It would also act to reduce training and operating costs. However, is it really that simple? The answer is no. In the future, we may see changes in the type of automation that is installed (adaptive or service-based). This will seek to augment the current human-automation relationship. < Back to Question

Though pilots are a source of error, they offer decision making skills that are hard to replace. In the future, we may see changes the type of automation that is installed which will seek to augment the current human-automation relationship. One type is adaptive automation which is a compromise between no automation and full automation. Automated systems are allowed to take over some tasks and complete them when workload is high while allowing the human to complete the task when workload is low. Another type of automation is Service-based automation. This provides automated functions from which operators would choose from (similar to choosing from a restaurant menu). This keeps the decision making for the humans and is more true to the human centered design concept. < Back to Question

One of the biggest questions that will guide the use of automation in the future is the complexity levels desired by the user and designers. Sometimes simple is better. However, this is often overshadowed by desirable bells and whistles by consumers and designers. Next >

Make sure to complete all the Learning Activities for Module 6. See you on-line 