Hey Larry! Investigating Interruptions in Future Vertical Lift Platforms

Abstract

Using technology to improve human performance is critical to maximizing the benefits of future combat systems. This study explores the effects of interruptions during high and low cognitive load states when completing dynamic tasks. Furthermore, it provides insight into how to integrate artificial intelligence and virtual assistants into future aircraft effectively. This research and the following analysis provided the Holistic Situation Awareness and Decision Making (HSA-DM) program office with meaningful data and recommendations that will enable them to reduce the impact of interruptions while improving the performance of future pilots. Specifically, this study collected and examined heart rate variability, subjective cognitive load, flight metrics, interruption lag, and task resumption lag while participants piloted an aircraft and performed dynamic tasks in a flight simulator. There were three different modalities used to assist participants with completing interrupted tasks while performing their primary task. The research team determined that the tactile activated artificial intelligence was the most effective at reducing total interruption time while having the smallest effects on flight performance and cognitive load.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2021
Accession Number
AD1164876

Entities

People

  • Caleb W. Ely
  • Christopher J. Nelson
  • James N. Iii Berry
  • Joshua L. Cook
  • Porter W. Riley

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Airframes
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Attack Helicopters
  • Cognitive Workload
  • Data Analysis
  • Flight Simulators
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Human Systems Integration
  • Information Processing
  • Measurement
  • Military Aviation
  • Psychology
  • Rotary Wing Aircraft
  • Situational Awareness
  • Systems Engineering

Readers

  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy