Safe autonomous systems require changes to business relationships
Martin ShadboltNova Systems, Level 1, 3 Norfolk Street, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia. Email: martin.shadbolt@novasystems.com
The APPEA Journal 59(2) 819-820 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ18250
Accepted: 25 February 2019 Published: 17 June 2019
Abstract
Autonomy offers significant benefits to many industries, especially those operating in dangerous environments. Autonomous systems offer improved safety and repeatability. The technical and organisational challenges of autonomy are usually managed very carefully, but commercial relationships need to change as systems become more complex. Current suppliers are unwilling to share IP for the design, analysis and testing behind a system. In the absence of this information, customers may not be able to meet their obligation to provide a safe workplace. Business, technical and safety principals need to lead this discussion and lift the engagement between customers and suppliers; otherwise safety of the systems, workplace and personnel cannot be assured.
Keywords: complex systems, customer supplier relationships, safety.
Martin Shadbolt is a Senior Systems Engineer with Nova Systems. He was awarded a Bachelor of Electronic Engineering from Curtin University of Technology in 1987 and is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia. Martin was an avionics engineer in the Royal Australian Air Force, responsible for the operation, maintenance, sustainment and enhancement of F/A-18 aircraft. He has over 25 years’ experience in engineering, designing, integrating, testing and managing complex integrated systems in a wide variety of military and commercial environments. This paper draws on his experience in systems and safety assurance for complex autonomous systems for aviation and mining. |
