Human-AMT Interaction (5380-19-02)

Automated Truck-Mounted Attenuators (ATMAs) utilize technology to remove a human driver from a vehicle with a high potential for collision. This work evaluated DOT workers’ perceptions of working with this automated technology, in order to identify any disconnect between operators and the ATMA system. The study objective was to 1) understand workers’ acceptance and understanding of the ATMA technology; 2) Identify ATMA-worker interactions that are successful and interactions that could be improved; and 3) evaluate how various training impacts their perceptions, acceptance, and use. A survey was conducted with 13 DOT workers with experience using ATMAs. Overall, workers had a positive opinion regarding the ATMA; such as its improvement on safety, the automation’s reliability, the reasonable workload associated with operating it, and design of the interfaces. However, workers were not confident in operating the ATMA in more complex environments. Workers that had received training in more diverse settings (e.g., classroom and hands-on practice) were more confident in the ATMA and in their own abilities.

These results show that: 1) investments into ATMAs will likely be accepted and adopted by workers; 2) the current design and structured operating practices are acceptable for use in non-complex driving environments; and 3) initial and continued training in both classroom and test-track settings improves worker-ATMA operations.