A man-machine system is one in which a human operator is somehow dependent on or integrated with a tool or machine. This can be something as simple as using a carpentry tool or something as complex as flying a surveillance drone via remote controls. The core concept is that the machine somehow enhances the abilities of the human user. There are practical real-world examples and a host of conceptual engineering ideas that fall under the man-machine system heading. Many advanced systems are in use in the fields of space exploration, military, and law enforcement.
A human-machine interface is an interface that allows interaction between a human and a machine.
An example of a commonly used man-machine system is a forklift that can be used in a warehouse or loading dock. This is a machine that requires a human to control it. In turn, the forklift is a machine that enhances the abilities of the human being. By working together, this man-machine system allows a single person to lift much more weight than they would normally be able to lift without the machine.
The guidance, aiming and navigation systems of a combat aircraft are man-machine systems.
Another example of a man-machine system is the guidance, aiming, and navigation systems in a fighter aircraft. This system helps the pilot fly the jet by observing vehicle tolerances, maintaining subsystems so the pilot doesn’t have to, and taking the initiative to alert the pilot to abnormal conditions. During combat, the human-machine system can integrate the pilot’s head movements with aiming computers that, in some cases, allow the pilot to simply look at a target to direct fire in that direction. This kind of interactive extension of a pilot’s skills and senses is a very advanced use of a man-machine system.
Drones, including micro aerial vehicles and long-range remotely operated aircraft, are an example of a man-machine system.
There are many interdisciplinary challenges involved in creating a human-machine system. In addition to the issues of creating a machine that can be easily integrated with a human operator, there are also issues like human ergonomics. The machine must also have some articulation so that the controller can use it naturally. The actual interface can also be a problem, because the machine can have settings that are not intuitive to a human.
There are some companies working on the development of what are now just conceptual man-machine systems. These designs range from exoskeletons for industrial and military use that can be worn like a suit and allow the operator to lift much more weight than they would normally be able to, to fully articulated robots that can be used to work in hazardous environments or even under the sun. ocean. . These types of ideas are far from being widely used in 2011, but they are developing.
The Canadarm space robot, used on most US space shuttles and the International Space Station, is a type of man-machine system.
