A neurophysiological assessment of multi-robot control during NASA’s Pavilion Lake research project

Abstract

A number of previous studies have explored the value of an external or “3rd person” view in the realm of video gaming and augmented reality. Few studies, however, actually utilize a mobile robot to provide that viewpoint, and fewer still do so in dynamic, unstructured environments. This study examined the cognitive state of robot operators performing complex survey and sample collection tasks in support of a time sensitive, high profile science expedition. A solo robot control paradigm was compared with a dual condition in which an alternate (surrogate) perspective was provided via voice commands to a second robot employed as a highly autonomous teammate. Subjective and neurophysiological measurements indicate an increased level of situational awareness was achieved in the dual condition along with a reduction decision oriented task engagement. These results are discussed in the context of mitigation potential for cognitive overload and automation induced complacency in complex and unstructured task environments.