Human Error in Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Deployment: A System Dynamics Approach.

Area of Science:

• Marine robotics
• Risk management
• Antarctic research

Background:

• Autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) deployment for marine science, particularly in extreme Antarctic conditions, is increasing.
• Existing risk analyses often overlook complex human factors and interdependencies, focusing mainly on technical aspects and static cause-effect relationships.
• The high risk of AUV loss in Antarctic operations necessitates improved risk assessment methodologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a systems-based risk analysis framework for AUV operations.
• To address the limitations of traditional risk assessment by incorporating human error and complex interrelationships.
• To enhance the safety and sustainability of AUV deployments in challenging environments like the Antarctic.

Main Methods:

• Development of a systems-based risk analysis framework utilizing system dynamics methodology.
• Application of the framework to an actual AUV program for Antarctic deployment.
• Simulation and scenario analysis of the resultant risk model to evaluate human error rates and policy impacts.

Main Results:

• The simulation indicated a reduction in human error incident rates as the AUV team's experience increased.
• Scenario analysis provided policy recommendations for training, practice, recruitment, and risk tolerance.
• The framework proved effective in examining human error during Antarctic AUV deployments.

Conclusions:

• The proposed systems-based risk analysis framework offers a pragmatic approach to managing AUV operational risks.
• Implementing the framework can lead to better control and monitoring of risks, ensuring operational sustainability.
• Recommendations derived from the framework support improved safety protocols, particularly concerning human factors in AUV missions.