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Software Agents Can Help Time-Stressed Teams

Posted by timothy on from the or-set-skynet-in-motion dept.

Roland Piquepaille writes "Penn State researchers have developed software agents which can help human teams to react more accurately and quickly in time-stressed situations than human teams acting alone. According to this news release, the software was tested in a military command-and-control simulation. "When time pressures were normal, the human teams functioned well, sharing information and making correct decisions about the potential threat." But when the pressure increased, the human teams made errors who would have cost lives in real situations. The decisions taken by agent-supported human teams were much better. Now, it remains to be seen if this software can be used in other stressful situations, such as for emergency management operations. Read more for other details, references and illustrations about this project."

4 of 136 comments (clear)

  1. Misleading Summary by VoidWraith · · Score: 5, Informative

    First of all, the summary doesn't explain anything about what this thing actually does, just that it involves stressful situations.

    Even reading the article doesn't make it very clear, but it turns out that this is merely a system for getting information from one person to another more quickly. How this is a headline I do not know.

    1. Re:Misleading Summary by CajunArson · · Score: 2, Informative

      After having been in a real control center (and I'm talking about a real FAA center, not the control tower at Podunk regional) I can tell you that they use a fully digital customized GUI to track planes and everthing is tracked electrnically... with thermal printers that print out the paper strips you mentioned because...
      the old system sits right next to each workstation and every controller is still fully trained and proficient in building takeoff & landing ladders. In the event of a major emergency where the computers all choked they can safely handle every plane the old fashioned way. There is something to be said for having a low-tech backup.

      --
      AntiFA: An abbreviation for Anti First Amendment.
  2. Oh great by JediTrainer · · Score: 2, Informative

    Cue the Clippy jokes. Ideally put them all under this thread to keep them contained, please.

    --

    You can accomplish anything you set your mind to. The impossible just takes a little longer.
  3. Re:software making military decisions? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    Because the story is from the "or set skynet in motion dept." Editors beat him to the joke.