Cooperative Human-Machine Systems
The research field “Cooperative Human-Machine Systems” covers the holistic design, development and testing of cooperative human-machine systems in which humans and co-automation act together. Based on cross-application models and metaphors from human-human and human-animal cooperation, we explore interaction patterns as a basis for system and interaction design as well as for communication between humans and machines.
Cooperation and interaction between humans and machines can be mapped to different levels with different requirements and goals, and we extend the classical levels (strategic, tactical, and operational) by a cooperative level that specifically highlights the interaction of cooperation.
Our recent research focusses particularly on the cooperation and interaction of humans and co-automation at the tactical and operational levels. The mediation and timely negotiation of intentions between humans and co-automation is our focus.
One application of the cooperation paradigm is assistance and automation systems as a basic building block for modern human-machine systems. IAW has played a major role in shaping research in this area, for example by introducing and researching high automation, e.g. in vehicle guidance. Our goal is to scientifically investigate the spectrum from manual to partially and highly automated systems and designing them not only in a way that is user-friendly, but also appropriately balanced for all relevant stakeholders, including society and the environment.
Current application areas are assistance and automation systems in partially and highly automated driving as well as Industry 4.0.