While autopilots and self-driving cars can reduce the workload of pilots and drivers, it also means that operators of these vehicles must learn how to manage these technologies.
In order to use higher levels of automation, operators must better understand the operation of their vehicles to obtain maximum benefit from automation.
A team of researchers at Purdue University is developing algorithms that recognize when the operator does not fully understand how to use the vehicle’s systems and adjusts performance to prevent the operator from exceeding his or his vehicle’s capabilities.
The technology has an additional, practical application. Inseok Hwang, principal investigator for Purdue explained, “Imagine an autopilot system that can identify your experience level and then gradually relinquish control as you improve. It could significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to train a pilot.”