Improving human-in-the-loop simulation to optimize soldier-systems integration.

Area of Science:

• Human-Systems Integration
• Military Technology Development
• Simulation Science

Background:

• Rapid technological advancements in the military necessitate early human-system interaction consideration.
• Current emergent technologies often delay human-system integration analysis until the physical prototyping phase.
• Limited utilization of human-in-the-loop simulation tools hinders early human factor integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify critical requirements for human-in-the-loop simulation capabilities.
• To enhance the utility of these tools in predicting and optimizing soldier-systems integration.
• To facilitate earlier human consideration in military technology design processes.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semi-structured interviews with military and simulation experts.
• Employed inductive thematic analysis on transcribed interview data.
• Performed a scoping review of 2274 sources, retaining 64 papers on simulation requirements.

Main Results:

• Identified six critical themes from combined interview and literature data.
• Interviewed five experts across Vehicle/Equipment Design, Simulation, and Army Research sectors.
• Scoping review data supplemented interview findings on military-specific simulation needs.

Conclusions:

• Identified eight key requirements for effective human-in-the-loop simulation.
• These requirements support prediction and optimization of soldier-systems integration and performance.
• Meeting these requirements improves early human factor integration in military design.