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The Underpinnings of Workload in Unmanned Vehicle SystemsThis paper identifies and characterizes factors that contribute to operator workload in unmanned vehicle systems. Our objective is to provide a basis for developing models of workload for use in design and operation of complex human-machine systems. In 1986, Hart developed a foundational conceptual model of workload, which formed the basis for arguably the most widely used workload measurement technique—the NASA Task Load Index. Since that time, however, there have been many advances in models and factor identification as well as workload control measures. Additionally, there is a need to further inventory and describe factors that contribute to human workload in light of technological advances, including automation and autonomy. Thus, we propose a conceptual framework for the workload construct and present a taxonomy of factors that can contribute to operator workload. These factors, referred to as workload drivers, are associated with a variety of system elements including the environment, task, equipment and operator. In addition, we discuss how workload moderators, such as automation and interface design, can be manipulated in order to influence operator workload. We contend that workload drivers, workload moderators, and the interactions among drivers and moderators all need to be accounted for when building complex, human-machine systems.
Document ID
20190028242
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Hooey, Becky L.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Kaber, David B.
(North Carolina State University (NC SU) Raleigh, NC, United States)
Adams, Julie A.
(Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN, United States)
Fong, Terrence
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Gore, Brian F.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
July 29, 2019
Publication Date
May 1, 2017
Subject Category
Air Transportation And Safety
Report/Patent Number
NASA/TM-2017-219482
ARC-E-DAA-TN40243
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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