Modelling cognitive and affective load for the design of human-machine collaboration

Abstract

We are developing models for hybrid human-machine systems that can cope autonomously with unexpected, complex and potentially hazardous situations. The synthetic or electronic partner (ePartner) has to acquire and maintain knowledge of the (momentary) cognitive and affective load of the tasks and situation, and the capacities of the human partner (hPartner) to cope with this load. For adequate partnership, cognitive and affective load models are needed that support shared situation awareness, trust and scrutability. This paper presents two such models that are being developed and tested for military and space operations in situated cognitive engineering cycles. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.