Automation of task processes: An example of intelligent transportation systems

The sophistication of advanced automated technologies offer unprecedented o pportunities to improve system and operator safety, efficiency, and comfort . However, these applications fundamentally alter the task process by virtu e of the degree of automatic control these systems may exert over levels of the task (i.e., control, tactical, strategic). This article presents a dis cussion of the possible deleterious effects of automated technology in the transport context in relation to Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). The p otential deleterious effects of ITS include (a) shifting the driver out-of- the-loop, such that situation awareness and responsiveness to critical even ts may be impaired, and (b) behavioral adaptation that undermines system ef fectiveness. Examples of both effects are presented in relation to an evalu ation of an experimental Adaptive Cruise Control system. The importance of considering these effects as part of a formal evaluation protocol is identi fied in order to maximize the design benefits of ITS. A framework and metho dology for the evaluation of automated systems is proposed. (C) 2000 John W iley & Sons, Inc.