Humans and Automation

Professor Sheridan has an unusual professional background, combining both engineering and psychology. His research has relevance to many fields, especially aviation and space. He has academic appointments in both the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. In both departments, he is listed as a professor of engineering and applied psychology, a title that reflects the intersection of technological and human issues involved in his work. He also participates in projects at the Center for Transportation Studies and the Research Laboratory of Electronics.His research has included human-computer interaction in aircraft and space piloting; high-speed trains and "smart" highway systems; undersea and industrial robotic systems; and computer-graphic displays and decision aids. He has taught many undergraduate and graduate subjects, ranging from the basic mechanics of solids to models of man-machine systems.Professor Sheridan received the ScD degree from MIT in 1959 in the field of human-machine systems.

• Preface. PART I: BACKGROUND. Introduction. Human Interaction with Automation in Various Contexts. PART II: DESIGN OF HUMAN-AUTOMATION SYSTEMS. The Analysis and Design Process. Human Performance in Relation to Automation. Displays and Decision Aids. Supervisory Control. Simulation, Testing, and Evaluation. PART III: GENERIC RESEARCH ISSUES. Technical Issues of Humans and Automation. Social Issues of Humans and Automation. System Management and Education. Appendix A: Elements of the Most Important Normative Models. Appendix B: Sample Problems and Solutions on Normative Models. References. Author Index. Subject Index.

"....this important work that can be read with profit by anyone involved in the design of interactive systems. Most such readers will want to keep it handy for future reference". (Robotica, Vol.21, 2003) "...manages to compress three decades of research into a very compact space without losing too much of the complexity..." (Ergonomics Abstracts, Vol 35(2), 2003)