UAV Operators’ Cognition and Automation: Comprehensive Measurements

This research investigates cognitive and physiological dynamics in UAV operators using ECG devices for comprehensive monitoring. By integrating diverse automation levels, operator expertise, and physiological measurements, nuanced interactions between operators and UAV technology emerge. Findings highlight the link between automation complexity and physiological responses, evident in heart rate profiles. ECG devices enable real-time heart rate monitoring, revealing patterns aligned with varying automation levels. Manual control scenarios (Level 0) exhibit heightened heart rate variability, suggesting cognitive demand. Increasing automation leads to reduced heart rate variation, potentially mitigating cognitive load. Outcomes underscore automation’s transformative impact on unmanned aviation, enhancing performance and decision-making. ECG integration bolsters empirical foundations, guiding interface design, training, and operational protocols in the dynamic UAV landscape.