Understanding human management of automation errors

Abstract

Automation has the potential to aid humans with a diverse set of tasks and support overall system performance. Automated systems are not always reliable, and when automation errs, humans must engage in error management, which is the process of detecting, understanding and correcting errors. However, this process of error management in the context of human–automation interaction is not well understood. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of the variables that contribute to error management. We examined relevant research in human–automation interaction and human error to identify critical automation, person, task and emergent variables. We propose a framework for management of automation errors to incorporate and build upon previous models. Further, our analysis highlights variables that may be addressed through design and training to positively influence error management. Additional efforts to understand the error-management process will contribute to automation designed and implemented to support safe and effective system performance.

Keywords:

• automation
• imperfect automation
• error
• error management
• human–automation interaction

Acknowledgements

This work was supported in part by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (National Institute on Aging) Grant P01 AG17211 under the auspices of the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE, www.create-center.org). This research was also supported in part by contributions from Deere & Company.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sara E. McBride

Sara E. McBride is a graduate student in the Engineering Psychology Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, where she received her MS degree in psychology in 2010.

Wendy A. Rogers

Wendy A. Rogers is a professor in the School of Psychology at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, where she received her PhD in psychology in 1991.

Arthur D. Fisk

Arthur D. Fisk is a professor in the School of Psychology at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. He received his PhD in psychology from the University of Illinois in 1982.