Designing the future role of human operators in an autonomous bus system
A case study on Autonomous Airside Operations in Schiphol Airport
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Abstract
This thesis aims to design the future roles of human operators in an autonomous bus system in Autonomous Airside Operations at Schiphol Airport. The research was conducted in collaboration with Delft University of Technology and Royal Schiphol Group, focusing specifically on the implementation of autonomous buses for passenger transportation between terminals and aircraft.
The study employs a human-centered design approach since the successful integration of technology relies not only on its technical capabilities but also on human operators, who will work in and interact with an autonomous bus system. By placing humans at the center of the design process, a valuable future human operator role is created, that contributes to the successful implementation of an autonomous bus system in AAO.
To emphathize with the current bus operations, context studies at Schiphol Airport are conducted with 3 key roles in the current bus operation. Additionally, 11 expert interviews were conducted to gather different perspectives on the future human operator role in AAO.
The context research revealed 4 current operator responsibilities besides driving-related tasks. Additionally, based on the expert interviews, 5 future human operator responsibilities in an Autonomous Airside Operations are identified. Combinations between current and future responsibilities resulted in the design of 4 potential future scenarios, each with a different future human operator role.
The study provides 4 human operator roles in potential future scenarios where human operators remain crucial in an autonomous bus system, which is: (1) the role of the safety driver to enable autonomous driving as an addition to manual operations; (2) the role of host/hostess or fleet coordinator to provide onboard assistance; (3) the role of the (de)boarding assistant to ensure a safe boarding and deboarding procedure; and (4) the role of the rescuer to immediately operate in case of an emergency. These scenarios are further developed into animation videos, which serve as speculative design artifacts to envision, reflect, and discuss potential future scenarios.