Human in the Loop – The role of the human in Automation

When automation is considered it is usually for the express purpose of removing people from situations or decision making which may:

·??????? Be less efficient for a human to make,

·??????? Expose the human to undue danger,

·??????? Require a high degree of repetitive action.

To this end we automate a system and remove human interaction to a greater or lesser extent.? The system is now largely free from human interaction and may be considered as a stand-alone system or system of systems, each automated.?

When we asses these systems for performance, safety and security there is a temptation to see them as pure machines, free from the influence of human caprice and only influenced by deliberate and possibly maline action.

This though is to take an oversimplistic view.? The automated system has been developed by, installed by, operated by, maintained by and is surrounded by humans.? If we look more widely there is no such thing as a system free from human interaction, only different types of interaction.

An yet many assessment methods ignore this.? Why and what steps can be taken to ensure that the human element is not left out?

Understanding interactions

Human interactions occur through a system lifecycle.? These though are not the traditional direct interactions of operational? service.? During the development phase for instance there may be a large team of people interacting with the system to specify, design implement and test the system.? Each of these people can have an impact on the system and this needs to be taken into account.

Practically these steps can be taken:

·??????? Map the system lifecycle and the interactions at each stage.

·??????? For the assessment being undertaken understand the impacts (positive and negative) of the interactions

·??????? For each step look at measures which can eliminate, mitigate, or contain the negative impacts, whilst encouraging, developing, and growing the positive.

·??????? Look at the downstream effect of the interactions.? Each interaction will have a consequence later in the lifetime of the system.

Effect of the human

Humans can have different impacts at different stages.? The direct impacts of poor human interactions are well documented in terms of the system being operated poorly or in an unsafe manner.

However, at all stages there are impacts.? For example, a poor design or installation can lead to unsafe operation, skipped maintenance activities.? Poor operational performance and poor operator motivation later on.?

Poor interactions occur for several reasons and at each stage these will be different and cause different effects.? In general, poor interactions are the result of:

·??????? Inexperience

·??????? Lack of accurate information

·??????? Lack of resources (time, tools, people and material)

·??????? Lack of motivation

There is no assumption that the human is the cause of the issue or deliberately causing a issue, equally deliberate negative actions cannot be discounted.?

Reality vs Expectation

Most people are optimistic in nature and will look for the best in a situation.? We can also seek to move away from difficult situations and instead focus on what is more comfortable for us as people to handle.

When assessing the human input we must face a situation not as we wish it but as we objectively find it.? Achieving this level of objectivity is difficult, even for independent assessors, as we are all coloured to a lesser or greater extent by our views and experiences.? Assessment of thee impact of human interactions is therefore sometimes a difficult subject and one which is easily dismissed.? Only by taking a pragmatic and detached attitude to the information presented can decisions be made.

Benefits

Why do this?? The arguments of completions and systematic assurance can be made. These though are going back to a mechanistic view off automation and trying to describe the human input in machine terms.? It is essential to ensure these things but only a part of the benefit.

The understanding of how, where and what the impact of human interactions in the lifecycle of an autonomous system brings wider benefits.? Firstly, a greater appreciation of the work and skill which has gone into the system and will go into the system.? This can bring people together in a common cause.? By bringing people together we share knowledge and experiences.? This can lead to better systems.

An organisation will also gain an understanding of areas where in both needs to improve and where it excels.? This allows growth and development to be targeted and based on evidence.? This can save both time and money, and lead to greater satisfaction for all involved.