Degraded situation awareness in a robotic workspace: accident report analysis

Abstract

We adopted an approach based on interactions in a robotic workspace, coupled with Endsley's model of Situation Awareness (SA), to identify factors that potentially degrade operators' SA: the eight SA demons (Endsley and Jones 2016). We propose here to study the implications of these demons in 45 industrial accidents involving robotic. These demons were associated with possible interactions a human may have in a robotic workspace. Our results showed that five of the eight SA demons (Endsley and Jones 2016) appeared in the accident reports examined. The results showed that the identified SA demons were mainly associated with the first level of SA (perception level). We have also been able to describe five patterns of SA demon occurence in these accidents. SA demons are generally involved in human-robot interactions rather than human-environment interactions. Thanks to this analysis, we found that an operator's SA is mainly impacted by the Errant Mental Model and Out-of-the-Loop SA demons in human-robot and human-environment interactions. Finally, we propose recommendations regarding workspace design.

Task-Consistent Signaling Motions for Improved Understanding in Human-Robot Interaction and Workspace Sharing

“…It has been revealed that an errant mental model is the most prevalent SA demons occurring in industrial robotics [5]. This one acts as a trigger for other demons like out-of-the-loop, attentional tunneling or misplaced salience and can also be a result of it depending on the situation.…”

“…As introduced in section III, the retained diffuse signaling motion is a breathing like motion. Such a motion can be generated at the joint level through a rather straightforward PD controller written for joint i τ sig,i = k pi sin (σ t) q i,max + q i,0 − q i − k di qi (5) where k pi and k di are respectively the strictly positive proportional and derivative gains. σ is the desired period of the breathing motion, q i,max is the desired breathing motion amplitude and q i,o the neutral breathing configuration.…”

“…Several factors degrading SA have been defined by Endsley [4] and have been grouped in eight so-called SA demons. In the domain of industrial robotics, these demons have been identified as the key factors leading to accidents [5]. For example, the false belief that "a motionless robot is a powerless robot" [6] is typically linked to the errant mental model SA demon.…”

Dynamic Graphical Instructions Result in Improved Attitudes and Decreased Task Completion Time in Human–Robot Co-Working: An Experimental Manufacturing Study

“…Conversely, a lack of understanding of task-related procedures can be a barrier for technology acceptance among the workforce [12], with rejection issues exacerbated further if users feel they do not have enough information or training to undertake a task with the new technology [6]. A lack of perceived control and confidence in one's ability to accomplish a task using new technology can lead to decreased concentration on the task, changes in situational awareness, and an increased number of accidents [14,15], but this can be countered by establishing effective measures of communication, and making the user aware of the state of the robot [15]. As empowerment and knowledge are important factors in technology acceptance, and thus contribute to workforce sustainability, it is important to reflect what individual factors could affect this acceptance.…”