Human-Centered Automation

Focuses on the role of the operator (active or passive) and the cognitive and behavioral effects of using automation to assist humans in accomplishing their assigned tasks for increased safety and efficiency.   Research addresses the identification and application of knowledge concerning the relative strengths and limitations of humans in an automated environment, and investigates the implications of computer-based technology to the design, evaluation, and certification of controls, displays, and advanced systems. 

Research objectives concern keeping the operator-in-the-loop and situation ally aware of system performance; designing human-machine interfaces for advanced systems; balancing operator workload (high and low) associated with automated systems; resolving issues related to the degradation of basic skills with the associated performance implications should the automation fail; and overcoming the hesitancy of human operators to take over from the automated system even when there is compelling evidence of a problem.

For additional information on Air Traffic Services activities and programs, please contact Mr. Dino Piccione, at 

Federal Aviation Administration
Room 907A
800 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20591