Adaptive computer support in future naval systems

Increasing pressures to reduce manpower and improve the performance of manned systems has resulted in a shift from manpower-intensive to automation-intensive information-decision-action systems (IDAS). This trend is continuing despite the emergence of automation-induced problems for those humans who must interact with semi-automated systems. If new technologies are to achieve their full potential, then new ways must be found of improving the compatibility between these technologies and the people who must use them effectively. One approach to improving compatibility may be to develop systems which are more responsive to changing aspects of the environment such as the user and the context. Systems with these capabilities are often referred to as adaptive systems or adaptive/intelligent interfaces, etc. The prospect of developing computer systems capable of adapting to the user and the changing context, within dynamic real-time naval IDAS, is being explored at the author´s agency