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Can Human Factors Research & Development Keep Pace with Artificial Intelligence for Readiness?
DescriptionAs artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms change the tools we use and the ways we work, human factors issues are a core component of conversations about innovation, safety, teaming, and more. As human factors professionals, we face challenges in determining which principles, methods, and models from previous contexts can be applied in the design and evaluation of new “smart” technologies – and what new principles, methods, and models are needed to guide the design and implementation of AI and ML-based tools. These challenges are exacerbated by the rapid pace of technology development and demand for machine-learning driven tools and technologies. In this panel, we invite human factors professionals and AI developers to share success stories, and not-so-successful stories as they have worked together to integrate human factors into the design and development of AI and ML-based tools and technologies.

Dr. Jim Pharmer will chair the panel. Dr. Pharmer is the Chief Scientist for the Training Systems Research, Development Test and Evaluation Department (GT5E) and the Head of the Experimental and Applied Human Performance and Training Research and Development Division (GT55) at the NAWCTSD in Orlando, Florida. His work has focused on delivering effective training products and human performance solutions to the fleet. Dr. Pharmer’s research interests have centered on developing human systems integration (HSI) processes and tools for factoring capabilities and limitations of human operators, maintainers, and support personnel into the systems engineering process. During his career, he has supported surface ship and aviation acquisition programs as a key member on HSI Integrated Product Teams and leads a number of HSI working groups for developing consistent Navy and Joint HSI policy and guidance.

Laura Militello will serve as co-chair. She is the CEO of Applied Decision Science, LLC, the company she helped to found 14 years ago. She applies cognitive systems engineering to the design of technology and training to support decision making in complex environments. She is acknowledged as one of the masters of advanced Cognitive Task Analysis methods, and one of the leaders of the Naturalistic Decision Making movement.

Automated Planning Technologies for Military Transportation

Panelists Beth DePass and Emilie Roth have partnered for over 20 years, during which they developed multiple collaborative planning and execution systems for military transport organizations using a variety of different automated planning technologies. They will share their insights and lessons learned from this collaboration.

Beth DePass is a Technical Fellow with RTX BBN Technologies. She is a software engineer by trade and has a degree in Physics and Engineering (B.A. College of Charleston). She has over 30 years of experience developing a variety of military planning and logistics decision support systems. Her research interests are applying cognitive engineering principles in the design and development of complex decision support systems that effectively promote human-machine collaboration. These applications are designed to reduce the user’s cognitive workload and support expedient and thoughtful decision making all the while utilizing complex scheduling algorithms that work in coordination with military planner’s expertise and knowledge.

Emilie M. Roth is owner and principal scientist of Roth Cognitive Engineering. She is a cognitive psychologist by training (Ph.D. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign), and has over 30 years of experience in cognitive analysis and design in a variety of domains including nuclear power plant operations, railroad operations, military command and control, and healthcare. She is on the advisory board of the Journal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making; a fellow of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society; and recently served as a member of the Board on Human-Systems Integration at the National Academies.

Automation to Support Future Army Reconnaissance

David Macannuco and Dr. Kevin Oden work together at Lockheed Martin in the fast-paced environment of developing future Army reconnaissance capabilities. As the U.S. Army envisions autonomous capabilities to meet emerging threats in the envisioned world, they have worked together to move from AI concepts to prototypes that can be evaluated in the context of supporting warfighter decision making in realistic scenarios.

David Macannuco is a senior advanced technology leader at Lockheed Martin with the proven ability to build, manage and motivate large engineering teams. He leads projects from concept to customer delivery, and to innovate in complex engineering domains.

Dr. Kevin Oden is a Lockheed Martin fellow where he provides management of the Human Systems and Training Laboratory and provides oversight of internal research and development (R&D) investments and contract R&D programs for aspects related to the psychology of human performance in complex systems. His expertise in cognition and learning ensures that technological solutions developed by RMS meet customer expectations of improving individual and team performance. Dr. Oden holds a Ph.D. in Applied Experimental and Human Factors Psychology from the University of Central Florida, where he also earned a Master of Science in Modeling and Simulation. A graduate from the University of Florida, Dr. Oden was also a Graduate Fellow Researcher at the Army Research Institute for Behavioral and Social Sciences with sponsorship from the Consortium of Universities located in Washington D.C.

Advanced Automation to support U.S. Air Force operations

Panelists Mr. Allen Rowe and Dr. Mark Draper will discuss their experiences on a range of projects integrating advanced automation into core Air Force tasks.

Mr. Allen Rowe is a Software Integrator at the 711 Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory.

Dr. Mark Draper is a Principal Engineering Research Scientist and Research Fellow, 711 Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory. He serves as Division Technical Advisor and AFRL Core Technical Competency Lead for Warfighter Interfaces and Teaming.
Event Type
Discussion Panel
TimeWednesday, September 11th11:15am - 12:15pm MST
LocationFLW Salon C
Tracks
Cognitive Engineering & Decision Making