To utilize automation or not to utilize automation, that is the question: An evaluation of how drills and procedures impact optronics mast usage from a sociotechnical systems perspective

The delegation of tasks to a non-human agent in a sociotechnical system can extend human capabilities and performance. Effective performance is, however, reliant on a successful relationship between human operators and automation. Optronics is a partially automated system which has replaced periscope on board some modern submarine platforms, operating modes permit the completion of tasks either manually or utilizing automation. A reluctance to utilize automated functionality within the optronics system has been due to operator familiarity with legacy manual procedures based upon the use of a physical periscope. This highlights the gap that is prevalent between innovation, design, training and governance of automation utilization. The current work examined current (Control group) utilization of optronics technology using an expert population in a high fidelity simulator. Findings were utilized to guide the development of novel optronics specific standard operating procedures (Intervention group). Results indicate that automaton disuse was greatly reduced, which had had a positive overall impact on overall system performance with regard to productivity and accuracy. The current work highlights the importance of incorporating governance of use and training as part of an automation design and implementation program is critical to help ‘maximize what you have’. •The performance of qualified submariners was assessed to evaluate use of automated functionality in an optronics system.•A contemporary baseline revealed the tendency to use automated functionality varied greatly across teams, as did the drills completed.•A novel set of operating procedures were developed with the aim of maximising the utility of automated functionality.•The novel procedures positively impacted overall command team performance and achievement of command team objectives.