As automation technology continues to transform various industries, achieving both high operational reliability and high efficiency emerges as a critical challenge in task delegation between humans and Automated Systems (ASs). This project, conducted in collaboration with the Royal Schiphol Group (RSG), investigates the intricate dynamics of Human-Automation Collaboration (HAC) in the context of Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) operations at the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The design goal is for organizations to strike a balance between the decision-making authority retained by humans, and that can be transferred to ASs.
Through a combination of literature study, context research, in-depth interviews, and surveys, this study synthesizes insights to understand the changing nature of tasks, identify influential factors, and determine the appropriate level of human involvement with the main research question: “In the different PBB operation types (e.g., semi-auto controlled in a PBB, semi-auto controlled outside PBB), which tasks can be delegated to automated systems, and which tasks should be performed by humans?”
The main insights indicate that high-precision tasks are identified as potential candidates for AS delegation, while tasks requiring clear communication and meticulous inspection align better with human management. The study underscores the significance of effective information exchange, emphasizing the multifaceted roles of humans beyond mere data exchange.
To address this, two main outputs were introduced: one is a decision-making board game as a speculative probe called PBB, and the other one is a roadmap for RSG’s future vision, which can empower organizations with insights into the evolving nature of tasks for both humans and ASs. The PBB game is expected to allow diverse stakeholders to enact multiple scenarios in various decision pathways aligned with different levels of automation. Further, the roadmap will envision the optimal future scenario, leading to actionable plans for organizations with a holistic understanding of Human-Automation Collaboration (HAC).