Humans and Automation: System Design and Research Issues

Human factors, also known as human engineering or human factors engineering, is the application of behavioral and biological sciences to the design of machines and human-machine systems. Automation refers to the mechanization and integration of the sensing of environmental variables, data processing and decision making and mechanical action. This book deals with all the issues involved in human-automation systems from design to control and performance of both humans and machines.

Professor Sheridan has an unusual professional background, combining both engineering and psychology. His research has relevance to many fields, especially aviation and space. He has academic appointments in both the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. In both departments, he is listed as a professor of engineering and applied psychology, a title that reflects the intersection of technological and human issues involved in his work. He also participates in projects at the Center for Transportation Studies and the Research Laboratory of Electronics.
His research has included human-computer interaction in aircraft and space piloting; high-speed trains and "smart" highway systems; undersea and industrial robotic systems; and computer-graphic displays and decision aids. He has taught many undergraduate and graduate subjects, ranging from the basic mechanics of solids to models of man-machine systems.
Professor Sheridan received the ScD degree from MIT in 1959 in the field of human-machine systems.