Psychophysiology and adaptive automation

Adaptive automation is an approach to automation design where tasks are dynamically allocated between the human operator and computer systems. Psychophysiology has two complementary roles in research on adaptive automation: first, to provide information about the effects of different forms of automation thus promoting the development of effective adaptive logic; and second, psychophysiology may yield information about the operator that can be integrated with performance measurement and operator modelling to aid in the regulation of automation. This review discusses the basic tenets of adaptive automation and the role of psychophysiological measures in the study of adaptive automation. Empirical results from studies of flight simulation are presented. Psychophysiological measures may prove especially useful in the prevention of performance deterioration in underload conditions that may accompany automation. Individual differences and the potential for learned responses require research to understand their influence on adaptive algorithms. Adaptive automation represents a unique domain for the application of psychophysiology in the work environment.