Human-Automation Challenges for the Control of Unmanned Aerial Systems

Abstract

Gurion University of the Negev Chris A. Miller, Smart Information Flow TechnologiesThe continuing proliferation in the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in both civil and military operations has presented a multitude of human factors challenges from how to bridge the gap between the demand and availability of trained operators, to how to organize and present data in meaningful ways. Underlying many of these challenges is the issue of how automation capabilities can best be utilized to assist human operators manage increasing complexity and workload. The purpose of this discussion panel is to examine current research and perspectives on human automation interaction and how it relates to the future of UAS control. The panel is composed of five well-known researchers, all experts in the area of human-automation interaction. The range of topics that the panelists will discuss includes: how automation taxonomies can be applied to UAS design; opportunities to exploit automation capabilities in multi-vehicle contexts; current examples of automation research results, particularly in the area of multiple UAS control, and how they can be applied for future UAS; and how to design automation to maximize UAS mission effectiveness.

Addressing Complex Decision-Making for Unmanned Aerial System Sensor Operators

“…On the other end of the spectrum, fully automated systems may decrease workload but operators may become complacent and over rely on the system to perform the operator's tasks (Parasuraman, Malloy, & Singh, 1993). Others have argued that when considering automation the question should not be to automate or not, but rather the question should be how automation should be designed so that it takes into account the system environment and human capabilities and limitations (Fern et. al., 2011).…”

“…The CTA will also provide details as to where human and machine interaction fails and thus may benefit from a decision support tool (i.e., display). CTAs are used to provide an understanding of the human capabilities and limitations in the context in which automation should be used and how those capabilities and limitations will benefit from automation (Fern et al, 2011). Instead of using blanketstatements to decide if tasks should be automated or not, Fern and colleagues (2011) suggests that automation is context specific and is derived from CTAs to identify the context in which automation should be used.…”

Assessing Situation Awareness in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations

“…This trend has created significant human performance challenges such as how to: select and train UAS operators; design UAS control interfaces to minimize errors and avoid costly accidents; and safely integrate UAS into the National Airspace System (e.g., Dalamagkidis, Valavanis, & Piegl, 2008;Williams, 2006). The problems associated with these challenges are many, yet the solutions are presently few (Fern, Shively, Draper, Cooke, & Miller, 2011). Also, UAS crews differ from manned flight crews in crucial ways: crew and aircraft are not co-located; shift changeovers may occur during a mission; crew may be tasked to control multiple aircraft; monitoring and feedback latency is common; lack standardized cockpit design and controls; lack standardized crew qualifications; and lack 'shared fate' with the aircraft (Tvaryanas, 2006).…”

Supervisory Control of Multiple Robots

“…Past research has demonstrated the effectiveness of a robot proxy to enhance shared understanding between the human operator and the robot in an exploration task (Stubbs, Wettergreen, & Nourbakhsh, 2008). Other research and development efforts more related to supervisory control of military robotics include the U.S. Army's Playbook program and the U.S. Air Force's Vigilant Spirit Control Station for management of multiple unmanned aerial systems (UASes;Fern et al, 2011;Miller & Parasuraman, 2007).…”

“…Other research and development efforts more related to supervisory control of military robotics include the U.S. Army's Playbook program and the U.S. Air Force's Vigilant Spirit Control Station for management of multiple unmanned aerial systems (UASes; Fern et al, 2011;Miller & Parasuraman, 2007).…”