Supervising and controlling unmanned systems: a multi-phase study with subject matter experts
Author(s)
Porat, Talya
Oron-Gilad, Tal
Rottem-Hovev, Michal
Silbiger, Jacob
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Proliferation in the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) in civil and military operations has presented a multitude of human factors challenges; from how to bridge the gap between demand and availability of trained operators, to how to organize and present data in meaningful ways. Utilizing the Design Research Methodology (DRM), a series of closely related studies with subject matter experts (SMEs) demonstrate how the focus of research gradually shifted from “how many systems can a single operator control” to “how to distribute missions among operators and systems in an efficient way”. The first set of studies aimed to explore the modal number, i.e., how many systems can a single operator supervise and control. It was found that an experienced operator can supervise up to 15 UASs efficiently using moderate levels of automation, and control (mission and payload management) up to three systems. Once this limit was reached, a single operator's performance was compared to a team controlling the same number of systems. In general, teams led to better performances. Hence, shifting design efforts toward developing tools that support teamwork environments of multiple operators with multiple UASs (MOMU). In MOMU settings, when the tasks are similar or when areas of interest overlap, one operator seems to have an advantage over a team who needs to collaborate and coordinate. However, in all other cases, a team was advantageous over a single operator. Other findings and implications, as well as future directions for research are discussed.
Date Issued
2016-05-24
Date Acceptance
2016-04-06
Citation
Frontiers in Psychology, 2016, 7
ISSN
1664-1078
Publisher
Frontiers Media
Journal / Book Title
Frontiers in Psychology
Volume
7
Copyright Statement
© 2016 Porat, Oron-Gilad, Rottem-Hovev and Silbiger. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000376756100001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Subjects
Social Sciences
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Psychology
unmanned aerial systems
control ratio
UAV
decision support systems
DSS
automation
macrocognition
human factors
AUTOMATION
VEHICLES
ROBOTS
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
568
Date Publish Online
2016-05-24