William E. Fergueson

United States Air Force Research Laboratory

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

William E. Fergueson is a researcher whose work probes the human dimensions of emerging technologies, with a particular focus on trust, autonomy, and human-machine interaction. His most-cited paper, "Exploring Trust Barriers to Future Autonomy: A Qualitative Look" (2017, 10 citations), offers a foundational, qualitative examination of the psychological and social obstacles that impede the adoption of autonomous systems. This contribution is notable for shifting the conversation from purely technical feasibility to the critical, often overlooked, human factors that determine real-world acceptance. Fergueson’s research provides a nuanced framework for understanding why users hesitate to cede control, influencing subsequent studies in human-robot trust and system design. While his citation count reflects a specialized, emerging field, his work is a key reference for scholars and engineers seeking to bridge the gap between advanced autonomy and user confidence. His insights are particularly valuable for students and researchers exploring the socio-technical challenges of future automation.