Human-machine system optimization in nuclear facility systems

Present computing power and enhanced technology is progressing at a dramatic rate. These systems can unravel complex issues, assess and control processes, learn, and-in many cases-fully automate production. There is no doubt that technological advancement is improving many aspects of life, changing the landscape of virtually all industries and enhancing production beyond what was thought possible. However, the human is still a part of these systems. Consequently, as the advancement of systems transpires, the role of humans within those systems will unavoidably continue to adapt as well. Due to the human tendency for error, this technological advancement should compel a persistent emphasis on human error reduction as part of maximizing system efficiency and safety-especially in the context of the nuclear industry. Within this context, as new systems are designed and the role of the human is transformed, human error should be targeted for a significant decrease relative to predecessor systems and an equivalent increase in system stability and safety. This article contends that optimizing the roles of humans and machines in the design and implementation of new types of automation in nuclear facility systems should involve human error reduction without ignoring the essential importance of human interaction within those systems.