Out-of-the-loop performance problem

For other uses, see Out of the Loop.

For other uses of "OOL", see OOL (disambiguation).

The out-of-the-loop performance problem (OOL or OOTL^[1]) arises when an operator suffers from performance decrement as a consequence of automation.^[2][3] The potential loss of skills and of situation awareness caused by vigilance and complacency problems might make operators of automated systems unable to operate manually in case of system failure.^[4] Highly automated systems reduce the operator to monitoring role, which diminishes the chances for the operator to understand the system.^[5] It is related to mind wandering.^[5]

Etymology

OOL is also known as out-of-the-loop syndrome^[6] and out-of-the-loop effect.^[7] One of the first mentions of the term "out of the loop" is found in a patent by Willard Meilander from Goodyear Aerospace Corporation for automated aircraft control in 1972.^[8][9] More early mentions of OOL came up in the context of flight automation in 1980s.^[10]

Consequences

Three Mile Island accident in 1979, USAir Flight 5050 crash in 1989, Air France Flight 447 in 2009 and the loss of $400 million by Knight Capital Group in 2012 are attributed to OOL.^[3][11]

Automatic train operation

Automatic train operation is meant to reduce manual operation. This results in OOL performance problem for train drivers.^[12]

See also

• Automation bias