Assessment of UAV operator workload in a reconfigurable multi-touch ground control station environment

Haber, Jeffrey; Chung, Joon · 2016 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1139/juvs-2015-0039

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Summary

This paper addresses the growing complexity of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operations, specifically focusing on how reconfigurable multi-touch Ground Control Station (GCS) interfaces affect operator workload. The study was motivated by the transition from traditional keyboard/mouse inputs to advanced Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) that allow operators to reconfigure control layouts in real-time. The primary research question investigates whether such reconfigurable multi-touch environments increase or decrease cognitive workload compared to static interfaces, and how specific layout configurations influence performance. The methodology involved a controlled experiment using a custom-built multi-touch GCS prototype developed by the authors. The system utilized a 24-inch multi-touch display and a reconfigurable software framework that allowed participants to drag and drop control elements (such as flight control sticks and telemetry displays) into different spatial arrangements. Participants performed a series of simulated UAV flight tasks, including takeoff, hover, and landing, under varying levels of environmental complexity. Workload was measured using the Task Load Index (TLX), a standardized subjective scale, alongside objective performance metrics such as task completion time and error rates. The experimental design compared a fixed, standard layout against multiple participant-selected reconfigurable layouts to isolate the impact of user-defined interface customization on operational efficiency. The results indicated that while participants generally preferred the flexibility of the reconfigurable interface, this preference did not consistently translate into lower workload or superior performance. Specifically, the study found that allowing operators to freely rearrange controls often introduced additional cognitive load due to the need to memorize new spatial relationships and manage the reconfiguration process itself. However, when participants were guided toward specific, optimized layouts that grouped related functions (e.g., placing flight controls near telemetry data), workload scores decreased significantly compared to the default static layout. The data showed that the most effective configurations were those that minimized hand travel distance and reduced visual search time, suggesting that reconfigurability is beneficial only when constrained by ergonomic best practices rather than left entirely to operator intuition. The significance of these findings lies in the design of future UAV ground control systems. The paper concludes that while multi-touch reconfigurability offers potential for personalized efficiency, it carries a risk of increased workload if not properly structured. The study recommends that GCS designers implement "smart" reconfigurability, where the system suggests optimal layouts based on task type rather than allowing unrestricted customization. This approach balances user agency with cognitive ergonomics, ensuring that the interface supports rather than hinders the operator’s ability to manage complex UAV missions. The work provides a empirical basis for integrating human factors principles into the development of next-generation unmanned vehicle control stations.

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• teleoperation remote driving