A Multi-Industry Analysis of Human-Machine Systems The Connection to Truck Automation

This research is a critical review of safety-related themes in human-machine systems across multiple industries. The aim is to explore the lessons of engineering human-machine systems and the residual consequences of introducing driverless trucks on a Western Australian (WA) mine site. The method involved the identifying key words, phrases and contributing factors leading to driverless truck events to-date. An eligibility criterion aided the selection of relevant human factors research in the field of artificial intelligence, automated systems and augmentation. Literature is categorised into 9 publication types, with 11 separate industries associated within 182 pieces of material. Three broad categories were synthesised to include: (i) technology; (ii) processes; and (iii) human factors, with three research questions answering how this research applies to truck automation. Within those categories, 23 research themes were found under the human-machine system domain. The findings highlight the Mining Industry’s knowledge gaps and informs the design of driverless technology, formation of work processes and the accommodation of local human adaption. Conclusions provide a way forward for the industry and pass on lessons learnt to avoid automation pitfalls