Developing an agent model of human performance in air traffic control operations using Apex cognitive architecture

For the analysis of large-scale complex systems, agent-based modeling and simulation has proven to provide a valuable research tool. The emphasis has, however, typically been on representing the dynamic behavior of physical entities such as aircraft. Simulation of human operators has often been minimal even though human behavior has an enormous impact on overall system performance and safety. Therefore, human capabilities and limitations need to be taken into account early in the system design process before irrevocable choices have been made. This paper reports on the development of agent models with human-like performance characteristics using a cognitive architecture. We present an agent model of an air traffic controller that is developed and incorporated into an agent-based simulation of the national airspace to support the design and evaluation of advanced air transportation concepts.