How can you blend human operators with automation?

1 Benefits of blending human operators with automation

Automation can perform tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or require high precision, while human operators can provide flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving skills. By blending human operators with automation, you can leverage the strengths of both and achieve higher levels of performance and efficiency. For example, you can use automation to monitor and control routine processes, while human operators can intervene in case of emergencies, anomalies, or improvements. You can also use automation to assist human operators with decision-making, feedback, and guidance, while human operators can oversee and adjust the automation as needed.

2 Challenges of blending human operators with automation

However, blending human operators with automation also poses some challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is to ensure a good balance between human and automated roles and responsibilities, and to avoid over-reliance or under-utilization of either. Another challenge is to ensure effective communication and coordination between human and automated systems, and to avoid conflicts or misunderstandings. A third challenge is to ensure adequate training and support for human operators, and to address any psychological or social issues that may arise from working with automation.

3 Best practices for blending human operators with automation

To ensure a successful blending of human operators with automation, you should follow some best practices in design, implementation, and evaluation. This includes involving human operators in the design and development of the automation and defining clear and realistic goals and expectations that align with the human operators' needs. Additionally, it is important to establish clear and consistent rules for interaction between human and automated systems, as well as provide adequate training for human operators on how to use the automation. Further, you should monitor and evaluate the performance of the blended system, so that any issues or opportunities for improvement can be identified.

4 Tools for blending human operators with automation

To support the best practices for blending human operators with automation, you need to use some tools that facilitate the integration and interaction of human and automated systems. Human-machine interfaces (HMIs) provide intuitive ways for human operators to access and control the automation and receive feedback. Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems enable operators to manage multiple automated processes and devices from a central location. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) allow the automation to learn from data and experience, while augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) enable operators to visualize and interact with the automation and environment in immersive ways.

5 Future trends for blending human operators with automation

As technology advances and plant operations become more complex and dynamic, the blending of human operators with automation will continue to evolve and improve. In the future, collaborative robots (cobots) may be able to work alongside human operators in a safe and cooperative manner, performing tasks that require physical or cognitive skills. Digital twins could create virtual replicas of the plant and the automation, enabling human operators to simulate and test different scenarios and outcomes. Edge computing could allow the automation to process and analyze data locally, reducing the dependency on centralized servers and networks. Additionally, blockchain may enable automation to share and verify data and transactions securely and transparently, increasing the trust and accountability of the blended system.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?