The operator's requirements for working with automated systems

It is not unusual that automated systems in industry exhibit a downtime of 30%. Handling unexpected events is therefore a key function. Due to the complexity of the task, it is a job for the human operator. The theory of Maslow's human needs formed the basis for a Swedish study on the job content of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). The psychological requirements on work have been formulated to be used as design guidelines of the man-machine systems. The supervisory control model, designed by Sheridan of MIT, used for automated production in process industry is the frame of reference for comparison with the operator roles in discrete manufacturing. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.