Dynamic task allocation in operational systems: Issues, gaps, and recommendations

The use of automation in complex aerospace systems has helped to lessen operators´ workload while increasing the precision and safety of certain tasks. However, as automation changes physical work into cognitive work, it can also lead to complacency, a loss of situation awareness, and the degradation of skills. Dynamic task allocation - in which the allocation of tasks between the human operators and the automation can change in response to the state of the operators, system, or environment - has the potential to leverage the advantages of automation while minimizing the disadvantages. While a number of studies have investigated dynamic task allocation in a laboratory setting, it is unknown how the concept is currently implemented in real-world operational systems, or what research gaps need to be closed to further this implementation. This paper begins with a review of the basic research into dynamic task allocation. It then analyzes the structure of human-automation and pilot flying-pilot monitoring dynamic task allocation in nominal and off-nominal approach and landing in commercial aircraft. Using the interaction and coordination between the two pilots as a model, the paper describes how dynamic task allocation between the human and automation can be optimally implemented in real-world operational systems and discusses the areas of future research necessary to achieve this.