When automation conceals an escalating problem from the operator until the point when it cannot handle the problem any longer, and then hands off control of the ailing system to the operator, that is known as _____.

When automation conceals an escalating problem from the operator until the point when it cannot handle the problem any longer, and then hands off control of the ailing system to the operator, that is known as _____.

• A. Automation surprise
• B. Mode confusion
• C. Latency bias
• D. Human error

Answer: (A)

Automation surprise is when the system handles a developing problem in a way that hides how bad the situation is from the operator, continuing to operate until it can no longer cope and then handing control back. This leaves the operator momentarily unaware of the escalating issue and unprepared for the abrupt transition, which can lead to a delayed or improper response. In UAS contexts, the pilot may rely on automation to manage fault conditions, only to be surprised when the automation finally relinquishes control and the problem demands immediate human intervention. This differs from mode confusion, which is about misunderstanding the system’s current state or mode, and from latency bias, which concerns delays in perception or action due to expected response times, and from general human error.

Automation surprise is when the system handles a developing problem in a way that hides how bad the situation is from the operator, continuing to operate until it can no longer cope and then handing control back. This leaves the operator momentarily unaware of the escalating issue and unprepared for the abrupt transition, which can lead to a delayed or improper response. In UAS contexts, the pilot may rely on automation to manage fault conditions, only to be surprised when the automation finally relinquishes control and the problem demands immediate human intervention. This differs from mode confusion, which is about misunderstanding the system’s current state or mode, and from latency bias, which concerns delays in perception or action due to expected response times, and from general human error.