Smart collaboration between humans and machines based on mutual understanding

To improve the safety and comfort of a human-machine system, the machine needs to 'know,' in a real time manner, the human operator in the system. The machine's assistance to the human can be fine tuned if the machine is able to sense the human's state and intent. Related to this point, this paper discusses issues of human trust in automation, automation surprises, responsibility and and authority. Examples lire given of a driver assistance system for advanced automobile. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.