The introduction of new communications and computer technology in the railroad industry will change how workers in railroad operations perform their jobs. Automation and the management and control of information are becoming essential components of railroad operations. This subprogram examines the safety implications of new technology and automation from a human-centered design perspective. In general, systems design issues are also addressed in this subprogram, regardless of how recent the technology involved. The primary goal of the subprogram is to ensure that safety is enhanced, not degraded, by new technology and automation. Prototypes of new systems are also designed and tested in order to benchmark the unintended human factors consequences of new technology and to provide viable solutions for their resolution.
