Identification of Advantages and Limitations of Current Risk Assessment and Hazard Analysis Methods when Applied on Autonomous Agricultural Machineries.

Abstract

Highlights: The three main types of risk assessment and hazard analysis techniques applied on autonomous agricultural machines are: (1) Informal Group Analysis; (2) Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HARA); and (3) Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Replicability is the main advantage of FMEA and HARA, while cost effectiveness is the main advantage of Informal Group Analysis. Subjectivity and the requirement for prior knowledge (data) are the main weaknesses of FMEA, HARA, and Informal Group Analysis when applied to novel and revolutionary autonomous agricultural machines.

Abstract: In the last ten years, the development of automated agricultural machinery has seen noteworthy advancements. Nevertheless, the successful commercialization of these technologies depends critically on their ability to operate safely. This study evaluated the advantages and limitations of current risk assessment and hazard analysis methods currently used to ensure the safety of autonomous agricultural machines. An online survey containing 18 questions was distributed to 711 participants identified as potential individuals who are currently working or have worked on autonomous agricultural machines to determine the type and frequency of risk assessment and hazard analysis methods applied on autonomous agricultural machines, examine the advantages and limitations of each method, and investigate the perceived effectiveness of each method. Frequency analysis was used to determine the most and least utilized risk assessment and hazard analysis methods. The advantages and limitations of each risk assessment and hazard analysis approach were compared. Descriptive statistics (counts, means, medians, percent) and frequency analysis of the variables were used. The three main types of risk assessment and hazard analysis techniques applied to autonomous agricultural machines. The methods are (a) Informal Group Analysis (e.g., Brainstorming), (b) Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HARA), and (c) Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Replicability is perceived as the main advantage of FMEA and HARA, while cost-effectiveness is the main advantage of Informal Group Analysis. The need to have pre-existing data of the autonomous agricultural machine at hand to be able to perform risk assessment and subjectivity are the main limitations of FMEA, HARA, and Informal Group Analysis dealing with novel and revolutionary autonomous agricultural machines. Industry experts do not believe that the risk assessment and hazard analysis procedures now used are reliable and efficient enough to guarantee the safety of autonomous agricultural tractors. This study reveals important information about the current state of risk assessment and hazard analysis methods in the context of autonomous agricultural machinery. This knowledge can inform future research, policy development, and industry practices to ensure the safety of autonomous agricultural machines.