An adaptive human pilot model for adaptively controlled systems

Abstract

Despite their success in handling uncertain dynamical systems that are prone to failure, adaptive controllers are observed to have unfavorable interactions with human pilots in certain applications. To alleviate this problem, we need to evaluate the safety and performance of adaptive controllers in the simulation environment using realistic pilot models before conducting flight tests. While many useful human pilot models exist in the literature, models that are adequate for the prediction of adaptive human-adaptive controller interactions are yet to be available. In this letter, we fill this gap by proposing an adaptive human pilot model suited for the prediction of human behavior in the loop with an adaptive controller. The model can serve as a valuable tool guiding the design of adaptive controllers so as to ensure smooth pilot-controller interactions.