Airports globally are increasingly testing and adopting autonomous systems to boost efficiency, safety, and operational capabilities. The FAA's Part 139 CertAlert 24-02 highlights the growing prevalence of autonomous ground vehicle systems (AGVS) in airport operations, including vehicles for baggage transport and aircraft towing. However, integrating human factors and user acceptance is critical for successful implementation, significantly affecting system performance and safety. Many airports are implementing these technologies without adequate guidance on human-machine interaction, training, and operational procedures. Given that human error contributes significantly to aviation incidents, addressing human factors is vital for safety.
The objective of this project is to develop a practical Human Factors and Acceptance Framework for Airport Autonomous Systems that provides airport operators with focused guidelines and resources to safely, effectively, and successfully integrate autonomous technologies into existing airport operations.