Human Factors and Acceptance Framework for Airport Autonomous Systems

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.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=5960
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $450,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 10-41

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP)

  Transportation Research Board, 500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Aviation Administration

  800 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20591
• Project Managers:

  Picciano, Tara

• Start Date: 20250812
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Airports; Attitudes; Automation; Autonomous vehicles; Human factors; Human machine systems; Implementation; Training
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Education and Training; Planning and Forecasting; Safety and Human Factors; Terminals and Facilities; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01963001
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 10-41
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Aug 12 2025 10:16AM