We joined almost 200 human factors experts from more than 20 countries in London for the 8th International Human Factors Rail Conference. It was an energizing event of sharing insights, exchanging experiences, and exploring human factors topics in rail. We presented a poster and at talk.

📄 The poster with Adrian, “Investigating Human‑AI Collaboration in Railway Traffic Management using Flatland,” showcasing our simulation approach from AI4REALNET. Using the Flatland environment, we explore and evaluate human‑in‑the‑loop dispatching scenarios under real‑time conditions. You can learn more at https://ai4realnet.eu/ or get in touch with us.u

📢 The talk with Lena introducing a new toolbox to address accountability and control gaps in AI‑based rail systems. We focused on the “accountability–control fit workshop,” which helps teams surface potential accountability-control misalignments and make more informed design decisions. If you’re interested in this workshop, please reach out to Lena.

💻 Human factors, rail, and AI is an emerging field. RSSB showed AI‑specific human factors principles for rail. The first keynote provided lessons from human‑AI teaming in aviation within the HAIKU EU Project that are relevant for railway.

🌐 Many talks also discussed the growing need for systemic perspectives that go beyond isolated interactions or well‑defined tasks. For example, the second keynote showed how we need to move post normal accidents and address systemic risks from multiple networked actors and systems. AI based systems will be part of such systems.

🚇 As committed railway employees, Anna, Adrian and I traveled from Switzerland to London by train, with a quick lunch stop in Paris and the fascinating tunnel experience.

Thanks to AI4REALNET Project, SBB CFF FFS, ETH Zürich Mobilitätsinitative, Flatland Association, and all co‑authors and collaborators.

(First published on Linkedin)