Measuring uncertainty in use of digital technologies using human factors methodology

Measurements within digital technologies can still have enormous variability in setup, use and result processing yet it is highly prevalent for optimisation and throughput in manufacturing and control scenarios. Differences in measurements have a huge impact on quality data and business decisions, with variable measurements contributing a large effect on the quality of manufacturing decisions made for future processes and product release. There is huge variety in how manufacturing quality measurements are setup and optimised, which can vary as a function of the operator and environment. Machine vision and embedded intelligence are becoming more popular options to include to reduce processing times, however, the inherent parameters that define how these are used can cause additional variance due to lack of operator understanding.

This project will use uncertainty principles and human factors assessment methods to compare how people interact with digital interfaces, with a quantified contribution to an uncertainty budget. This can define where and what standards can be used to reduce variability.

The successful applicant will become a member of the growing Human Factors Engineering Research Group (HFERG), within the Wolfson School. The HFERG brings together a multi-disciplinary team of specialists in cognitive, physical and organisational ergonomics, taking a systems and data led approach. Our focus is on the role of people in a variety of industrial systems, supporting and enhancing wellbeing and effectiveness of the whole system. The post will align to the EPSRC-funded Made Smarter Innovation Centre for People-led Digitisation. The vision of the Centre is to be the world-leaders in providing people-led solutions to support manufacturing to have right-first-time digitalisation. The post will be based at Loughborough but will align to work at the Universities of Bath and Nottingham, with the potential to engage with a range of industry partners to deliver transformative research to unlock digitalisation potential through people-led solutions.