Apologies I should of posted here rather than in main forum !
Dear fellow members,
Apologies for the unsolicited nature of this post but I’m hoping that you may be able to help me in gathering some data for a research project I am conducting.
Modern technology is enabling the development of systems which feature increasing levels of automation and autonomy, which users have embraced and become reliant on. However there have been a number of high-profile accidents and incidents which have involved such systems. e.g. Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft and implication its Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) software ( designed as a safety system to prevent the chances of an aerodynamic stall ) inadvertently being a contributory factor.
There appears to be a common thread that crops up in the categorisation of root causes, identified in ‘official’ accident investigation reports, that being : -
System Complexity
Human factors
Lack of training
I’m gathering further material for my research project looking at how and what guidance can be provided to system engineers / designers to help them in creating safe systems that capture the benefits of technology, but which don’t create safety hazards.
If you have an opinion or ideas I would appreciate your contribution to the topic area i.e. do you concur or believe there are other factors (major or minor) ,themes which are of significance and require additional focus upon during the design of these systems and how you think could be facilitated ?
The applicability of the research is of relevance to industry with its focus on efficiencies, driving an acceleration towards the introduction of more automation.
Please rest assured that any information / insights gathered will be anonymised in my report and I thank you in advance for any help and apologies as I may not be able to acknowledge respond to individuals quickly. Thank you.
Kind regards
Richard