Adaptive autonomy explained

Adaptive autonomy refers to a suggestion for the definition of the notation 'autonomy' in mobile robotics.[1]

Human-automation interaction

The extremist idea of "eliminate the human from the field" rendered the ironies of automation[2] to the extent that the researchers in the related fields shifted the paradigm to the idea of "best-fit autonomy for the computers", to provide more humane automation solutions.

One of the first human-machine function-allocation methods was presented by P. M. Fitts in 1951, which was used in automation systems design.[3] Nevertheless, the function allocation concept remains problematic after half a century, and the basic validity of formal function allocation methods has been challenged repeatedly.[4] [5] [6] [7]

Clarifications

The peripheral situations affect the performance of cybernetic systems; therefore, though one-shot human-centered automation (HCA) designs might provide better results than the systems designed based on the "automate it as possible" philosophy; however, these designs fail to maintain the advantages of the HCA designs, when the peripheral situations change.[8] [9]

Consequently, the automation solutions should be smart enough to adapt the level of automation (LOA) to the changes in peripheral situations. This concept is known as adaptive automation [10] or adjustable autonomy;[11] however, the term "adaptive autonomy" (AA)[12] [13] [14] is widely considered more appropriate to prevent confusion with the phrases like adaptive control and adaptive automation in systems control terminology.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Adaptive autonomy: a suggestion for the definition of the notation 'autonomy' in mobile robotics. . 10.1109/CCA.2004.1387487. Proceedings of the 2004 IEEE International Conference on Control Applications, 2004. 2004. Glotzbach. T.. 2. 922–927. 0-7803-8633-7. 13641869 .
  2. L. Bainbridge, “Ironies of automation”, Automatica, Vol. 19, No. 6, pp. 775-779, 1983.
  3. P. M. Fitts, "Some basic questions in designing an air-navigation and air-traffic control system", In N. Moray (Ed.), Ergonomics major writings (Vol. 4, pp. 367–383). London: Taylor & Francis., Reprinted from Human engineering for an effective air navigation and traffic control system, National Research Council, pp. 5–11, 1951.
  4. N. Jordan, "Allocation of functions between man and machines in automated systems", Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol. 47, No. 3, pp. 55-59, 1963.
  5. R. B. Fuld, "The fiction of function allocation", Ergonomics in Design, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 20-24, 1993.
  6. T. B. Sheridan, "Function allocation: algorithm, alchemy or apostasy?", International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, Vol. 52, No. 2, pp. 203-216, 2000.
  7. R. B. Fuld, "The fiction of function allocation, revisited", International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, Vol. 52, No. 2, pp. 217-233, 2000.
  8. A. Fereidunian, C. Lucas, H. Lesani, M. Lehtonen, M. Nordman, 2007. "Challenges in implementation of the human-automation interaction models", In Proc. of the MED'07 (IEEE), Athens, Greece, June 2007.
  9. A. Fereidunian, M. Lehtonen, H. Lesani, C. Lucas, M. Nordman, 2007. "Adaptive autonomy: smart cooperative cybernetic systems for more humane automation solutions", In Proc. of the IEEE Int. Conf. of SMC07, Montreal, Canada.
  10. R. Parasuraman, T.B. Sheridan, C.D. Wickens, 2000. “A Model for Types and Levels of Human Interaction with Automation ”, IEEE Trans. on SMC– Part A, Vol. 30, No. 3, pp. 286-297.
  11. J.M. Bradshaw, et al., 2002. “Adjustable Autonomy and Human-Agent Teamwork in Practice: An Interim Report on Space Applications ”, Chapter 0, in the IEEE Computer Society Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agents (FIPA) .
  12. A. Fereidunian, H. Lesani, C. Lucas, M. Lehtonen, 2008. "A Framework for Implementation of Adaptive Autonomy for Intelligent Electronic Devices", Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol. 8, No. 20, pp.: 3721-3726
  13. A. Fereidunian, M.A. Zamani, H. Lesani, C. Lucas, M. Lehtonen, 2009. "An Expert System Realization of Adaptive Autonomy in Electric Utility Management Automation", Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol. 9, No. 8, pp.: 1524-1530
  14. reference number 4.