Unmanned aero systems are being developed at a rapid pace, this short development cycle can lead to human factors issues that may not be revealed until the unit enters service. To identify these issues early, simulation is the key. Embry’s Hub, an unmanned platform simulator, introduces the new user to the complexities of operating these systems. Using this tool can be a humbling experience while also giving an important lesson. Different types of ground control stations can be utilized along with their shortcomings and advantages (Hobbs, 2016). Two different vehicles were tried in the scenarios available and several human factors issues were revealed. All of them a result of the user being unfamiliar with the interface and overconfident in their abilities. The author had a high degree of success when the onboard logic was in control of the of flying the vehicle and concentrated solely on operating the payload.
The highest degree of success was when the author utilized the octocopter configuration and the portable control station. This was most likely because of experience with smaller hobby size quadcopters and understand of their abilities and flight profile. Although range was limited, the platform was perfectly suited for a photo survey of the crash site and flight control once again being accomplished by the onboard logic. Breaking down the failures to the simplest denominator, they are, Platform suitability, user familiarity, and of course training (Wheatcroft, 2017). Without considering all these factors, the tasks may not be accomplished, and the vehicle lost.
Hobbs, A. L. (2016). Human factors guidelines for unmanned aircraft systems. Egronomics in Design, 23-28. doi:https://doi-org.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/10.1177/1064804616640632
Wheatcroft, J. M.-W. (2017). Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operators’ accuracy and confidence of decisions: Professional pilots or video game players? Cogent Psychology, 4(1). doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/10.1080/23311908.2017.1327
Patrick Carroll 