Automation Technology and Human Performance : Current Research and Trends

Over the last 20 years, human factors researchers and developers have begun to examine more closely the impact that automation technology has on human performance. Many of the promises of automation have been realized in increased efficiency and in extending human capabilities. On the other hand, automation has fallen short of expectations of issues of safety and workload reduction. Recent research shows that automation alters the roles of operators and machines. As automated systems perform more and varied functions, humans are left with new kinds of responsibilities that often lead to decreases in situation awareness, increased mental workload, poorer monitoring efficiency, and a degraded ability to intervene and exercise manual control when automated systems fail.

The papers in this volume are from the Third Automation Technology and Human Performance Conference held in Norfolk, VA, on March 25-28, 1998. They are a representative sample of current experimental and investigative research concerned with the effects of automation and technology on human performance. Topics cover a variety of domains such as aviation, air traffic control, medical systems, and surface transportation, as well as user concerns such as situation awareness, stress and workload, and monitoring and vigilance behavior. Other sections address methodology and design issues. Further, the topics address both theoretical and applied aspects of human interaction with technology.