Human-Automation Interaction for a small Autonomous Urban Ferry: a concept sketch

Abstract

At the NTNU in Trondheim, a new Centre for Research and Innovation started in 2021 with the aim of supporting the Norwegian industry’s attempts to realize autonomous shipping. One of its use cases is AutoFerry, a small autonomous urban passenger ferry crossing the harbour canal in Trondheim. This research area is usually technology cantered and there is a lack of Human Factors (HF) research. This concept paper is presenting some design sketches of Human-Automation Interaction for this ferry. The ferry’s operating concept is simple but includes some difficult problems regarding HF and interaction design implementations. First, the design of interaction between the autonomous ferry and other, manned vessels in the canal: How to signal intentions using different interfaces? Second, the design of the control room: Situation Awareness by different sensors, automation transparency, and how do the operator understand and interact with automation? And thirdly, the interaction between the crew-less ferry and passengers: How to promote trust and safety, and how to handle emergencies? The paper discusses safety and security issues and presents some possible solutions and sketches of prototype interfaces for testing.