DLR tests display for task management in the cockpit
The study on the new teaming display examined how different levels of automation affect collaboration, workload and decision-making processes.
Initial results show that a flexibly deployable teaming display can provide valuable support in the cockpit.
Artificial intelligence and assistance systems are progressively finding their way into the cockpit. In future, digital assistants could support pilots in many tasks – or even take over completely in certain situations. At the same time, there are concepts in which commercial aircraft are to be controlled temporarily (extended minimum crew operations) or permanently (single pilot operations) by just one pilot.
But how can humans and digital systems work together optimally? To answer this question, the Institute of Flight Guidance at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) conducted a study with 19 commercial pilots in the iSIM cockpit simulator from 16 June to 11 July. The tests took place as part of the European research project DARWIN (Digital Assistants for Reducing Workload and Increasing collaboratioN).
At the centre of the study was the so-called teaming display, which was developed at DLR. This system displays which tasks are currently pending in the cockpit and who should take care of them – the human or the assistance systems. The display can assign tasks automatically, for example based on the pilot’s current performance level. At the same time, it allows them to adjust the task allocation manually. In decision-making situations, it also provides support by presenting possible solutions.
Two variants of the teaming display tested
Two different variants of the display were used, which correspond to different degrees of automation: In the first variant with a low degree of automation, the pilot had to actively agree to the changes in task allocation suggested by the system. In decision-making situations, they were also shown several options from which they could choose.
In the second variant with a higher degree of automation, changes were automatically adopted without having to be confirmed. Also in decision-making situations, only one solution recommended by the system was displayed, which could either be accepted or rejected.
During the study, the pilots were confronted with four different flight situations – once with and once without the support of the teaming display. The aim was to find out how the display affects the way people work in the cockpit.
The teaming display shows which tasks are currently pending and who should take them on – the human or the assistance system Credit: Ā© DLR. All rights reserved
Effects on the human pilot
During the situations, the distribution of attention was recorded using eye tracking and the task decisions made by the pilots. By this, the researchers investigated how cooperation with the assistance system works. The researchers also recorded the effects of working with the teaming display on workload and situational awareness. The participating pilots gave feedback on the use of the system after the situations.
The initial results show: The teaming display can support the work in the cockpit in situations in which commercial aircraft are to be controlled temporarily (extended minimum crew operations) or permanently (single pilot operations) by just one pilot. The study also provides valuable information on how the system can be further developed in the future – for greater safety and workload reduction in the cockpit.
