New NTNU course to make automation and remote operations safer
As maritime operations become increasingly automated and remotely operated, the interaction between people and technology becomes critical. A new continuing education course at NTNU will provide professionals with practical expertise in human-centered design and human factors.
Automation, artificial intelligence and remote operations are opening new opportunities for maritime industries. But technology alone does not create safer or more efficient operations. Systems, control rooms and interfaces must also be designed around the people who use them.
The new NTNU course addresses this challenge. Participants will learn how human-centered design and human factors can improve safety, situational awareness, decision-making and user experience in safety-critical environments.
The course is aimed at engineers, designers, operators, managers and other professionals, particularly within the maritime, offshore, energy, transport, defence and process industries. It combines seminars and discussions with practical exercises and project work based on real industrial challenges.
Part of MIDAS Academy
The course has been developed through MIDAS Academy, which brings research and expertise from MIDAS closer to industry through courses, workshops, demonstrations and other learning activities.
MIDAS, Human in Ocean Space Operations of the Future, brings together NTNU, Ocean Autonomy Cluster and other partners to develop knowledge and expertise for increasingly autonomous and remotely operated ocean space operations. MIDAS Academy is the educational part of this effort, helping turn research and experience from MIDAS into practical competence that can be used by companies and professionals.
“Technology alone does not make an operation safe or efficient. Through MIDAS Academy, we are making knowledge from MIDAS available to the people and companies developing the next generation of autonomous maritime operations,” says Alexandra Neyts, Project Manager for MIDAS.
For companies developing autonomous and remotely operated systems, this competence is becoming increasingly important. As operators move from vessels to remote operations centres and work with increasingly autonomous systems and AI, good human-centered design becomes essential for safe and effective operations.
The course starts on 4 March 2027, with an application deadline of 1 December 2026.
