Effects of Sharing Control of Unmanned Vehicles on Backup Behavior and Workload in Distributed Operator Teams

Abstract

This study examined the effects of sharing vehicle control on workload and support behaviors with teams using multiple unmanned systems. The design of systems control was manipulated such that teammates could only control their own vehicle or share control of their vehicle with a teammate. Process variables focused on requests for navigational support from an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) operator and the support that was provided by the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operator. The primary outcome of interest was workload, as measured by the NASA TLX. Results indicated that there was an interaction between the design manipulation and UGV requests for support in the prediction of support that was provided by an UAV operator, where support was only provided when teams did not share control of their teammate's vehicle. The sharing of control and provision of navigation support both increased workload for the UAV operator.

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