An Introduction to Neuroergonomics: From Brains at Work to Human-Swarm Teaming

Abstract

The field of Neuroergonomics sits at the interface between humans’ brains and humans’ working environment with an aim to improve the work humans do. In this chapter, I will review the scientific journey that led to the birth of Neuroergonomics. The journey starts from the Biocybernetics and Brain–Computer Interfaces projects in 1960s, followed by work on adaptive aiding in 1970s, and all the way to early 2000s with work on Augmented Cognition and Neuroergonomics. An extension to Neuroergonomics gave birth to Cognitive-Cyber Symbiosis, whereby Neuroergonomics is augmented with artificial intelligence agents that act as relationship managers between the human brain and the information-centric work environment. Some challenges facing these fields today are then discussed using a human-swarm teaming lens.