HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND USER INVOLVEMENT IN DESIGN OF AUTOMATIC TRAM

Abstract

Our transport system is currently undergoing fundamental change due to increasing use of automation. New automation solutions are introduced in all sectors of transportation, for example automated metros and autonomous ships are in the visions of technology developers. There are many reasons for this ongoing trend of higher use of automation such as demands for sustainability and efficiency to mention some. In this paper, we present a research and development effort aiming at introducing an automatic tram, that is to say SmartTram. In particular, we concentrate on how the changing role of human (as driver, passenger and member of other user groups) is acknowledged in the design of a new automatic tram. For this reason, we present a human factors engineering program for automated trams. The special focus is on how the relevant user groups may be involved in design within the defined program. This approach can be utilized also in other sectors when increasing automation.