ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the evolution of Ergonomics standards and examines how they are adapting to the challenges posed by robotic, intelligent, and autonomous (RIA) systems. Beginning with the foundations of ISO and IEC standardisation, it explains how international frameworks such as ISO TC159/SC4 Ergonomics of Human-System Interaction have evolved from product- and process-focused standards to principle-based approaches that address values, behaviours, and human-system collaboration. The chapter highlights the human-centred design philosophy that underpins these standards. This approach views humans not as passive system components but as purposeful, adaptable agents whose capabilities and motivations should be fundamental to system design. The discussion illustrates how this philosophy underpins Safety by Design, ensuring that human factors are integrated proactively throughout the lifecycle of automation and AI-driven systems.
Key standards, including ISO 9241-210, ISO 11064, and ISO 9241-810, are reviewed as frameworks for achieving transparent interaction, usability, and meaningful human oversight in complex, autonomous systems. The chapter also presents examples from the maritime sector, demonstrating how human-system interaction standards can be applied to ensure the safety and control of autonomous ships.
By linking the history and principles of ergonomics standardisation to emerging technologies, this chapter demonstrates how international standards serve not merely as compliance tools but as active design instruments – enabling engineers, designers, and regulators to embed trust, resilience, and human-centred safety into the next generation of intelligent systems. This chapter therefore bridges past and present – showing how human-centred standards evolve from experience, and how they continue to shape the future of safe, intelligent automation.
