Research Topics

Smart collaboration between human and machine

We seek for sensible design of human-machine interaction as well as human interface for supporting their collaboration in the real world environment.

Two main approaches for research

(1) Cognitive engineering

Designing human-machine systems in consideration of human cognitive characteristics using human models of decision making

(2) Liaison between theoretical and experimental approaches

Identification of factors that have effects on operator's behavior through analysis on human-machine interaction using mathematical models of human's decision making
Designing prototype systems based on results of theoretical studies with the mathematical models
Conducting cognitiue experiments to evaluate the prototype systems
Modifying mathematical models based on results of cognitive experiments

Challenges toward the near future

In the Laboratory for Cognitive Systems Science, we have pursued studies on human-machine interactions and collaborations in several domains such as aviation and process system. Currently, we focus our efforts deeply on automobile area in which human factors is expected to play much more active roles.
Nowadays, highly automated systems are availavle on automobile. Our aim of the studies on human-automation interaction and human interface for advanced vehicles is development of technologies not only for enhancing driver's situation awareness but also for solving problems inappropriate trust (vip., distrust and over-trust) in automation as well as automation surprises.
We are now conducting various research projects on automobile including one supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Governmentof Japan.