Crisis-Courier-UAV
A human systems engineering project focused on designing a high-performance UAV for rapid, reliable delivery of critical supplies in disaster zones, optimized for turbulent and low-visibility conditions through advanced navigation and payload systems.
Role
Human System Engineer
timeline
August 2024 – December 2024
The challenge
Reasons for Automation:
Precision and Stability -Automation will provide: high accuracy, constant monitoring, and multitasking
Human Workload -tedious, repetitive, or dangerous
UAV management systems -UAV stability, precise navigation, and processing sensor data in real-time
Function Allocation:
Automation best tasks: Flight operations, data processing, repetitive monitoring, resource management
Human Operators best tasks: Decision-making, judgement, problem-solving, team coordination, situational awareness
The process
Visual Display- Cargo Status
Purpose: To visually confirm that the package has been successfully dispatched from the UAV.
Visual: A green checkmark icon appears on the display, accompanied by a confirmation message stating, “Package Dispatched,” along with a timestamp for reference. Yellow colour displays the cargo delivery in process and it is dispatched.
The outcome
Auditory Alerts
ThePurpose: To notify when the UAV is at imminent risk of colliding with the ground or an obstacle, ensuring timely corrective action to avoid impact.
Audio: A distinct and abrupt sound designed to convey a sense of urgency effectively. The design adheres to key principles such as attention, perception, & memory to enhance usability & safety during drone operations.
Low Battery Warning
ThePurpose: To provide regular updates on the UAV’s battery level, ensuring the operator stays informed about the remaining power during flight.
Audio: A recurring low-frequency tone accompanied by a verbal announcement of the battery percentage (e.g., “Battery at 30%”)
The design follows key principles of attention and perception.
Situational Awareness
All operator displays have mechanisms to increase situational awareness through:
Chat box: enables operators to chat amongst themselves.
Mission Initiation Alert
ThePurpose: To efficiently deliver critical supplies and equipment to disaster-affected regions, overcoming challenges posed by harsh conditions, such as turbulence and low visibility, through innovative UAV technology.
Audio: A concise, attention-grabbing tone followed by a robotic voice stating,
“Package dispatched from UAV.”
Visual Display
Autopilot Alert
Purpose: To notify the operator when the autopilot system is activated or deactivated.
Visual: A blinking red indicator light signals the change in autopilot status, supplemented by a dynamic label on the display that switches between
“AUTOPILOT ON” (green)
and
“AUTOPILOT OFF” (red).
