This PhD project investigates human factors affecting operator performance in complex, automated, and AI‑assisted uncrewed aircraft operations, with the aim of improving safety, decision‑making, training, and system design in civil and defence contexts.
This PhD project will examine the human factors challenges associated with Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations, with particular focus on operator performance in complex, time-pressured, and technology-mediated environments. As UAS operations increasingly involve automation, distributed teams, AI-assisted decision-making, and contested communications environments, understanding the cognitive, organisational, and interface-related factors influencing operator performance is critical. The research may explore workload, situation awareness, trust in automation, human–machine teaming, vigilance, fatigue, and error management in remote or multi-system operations. Particular emphasis may be placed on how interface design, autonomy levels, command-and-control structures, and mission complexity affect performance, safety, and decision quality. The project could incorporate simulation-based experimentation, cognitive task analysis, human reliability assessment, and/or field studies. Outcomes are expected to inform training frameworks, interface design standards, operational procedures, and policy development to enhance both safety and mission effectiveness in civil and defence UAS contexts.
School of Science
Aviation
1882
