Human Factors evaluation of a tablet-based train remote control

Abstract

In the Automated Regional Trains in Lower Saxony (ARTE) project, the partners investigated highly automated operation (Grade of Automation 3 and 4, GoA 3 and 4) in today's rail network. The project also focused on the development of a simplified control for fallback mode using a tablet computer. This is the Remote Train Operation (RTO) which is to be used in the event of a malfunction of the Automatic Train Operation (ATO). It offers a lean technical solution for employees to control the vehicle remotely or on site via the user interface on the tablet. In this way, the consequences of a malfunction of the ATO can be reduced, tracks and routes cleared on time and passengers transported to the next station. In three user tests (model railway, test track, public rail infrastructure), the tablet remote control was evaluated from a Human Factors perspective. Results show that for enhancing usability and acceptance, improvements of the user interface and technical preconditions are necessary. They also indicate a lower SA together with a higher cognitive workload, when no direct view from the cab is possible and the video is the only source of visual information.