ASSESSING MENTAL WORKLOAD AND INTERFACE USABILITY IN MILITARY PILOTS: AN ADVANCED EYE-TRACKING METHODOLOGY

Abstract

© 2024, International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences. All rights reserved.This study explores the cognitive and ergonomic aspects of military UAV operations, focusing on pilots' mental workload and interface usability using advanced eye-tracking technology. A total of 24 military pilots participated in 30-minute flight simulations, with their eye movements recorded by Tobii Pro Glasses 2 and analyzed using Tobii Pro Lab software. Pilots' subjective perceptions of workload and interface usability were assessed through NASA-TLX and SUS questionnaires. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and linear regression, were conducted to examine the relationships between eye-tracking metrics (fixation duration, saccade amplitude, blink rate, and pupil dilation) and subjective assessments. The findings indicate that experienced pilots rated UAV interfaces as more usable, and higher mental workload, indicated by NASA-TLX scores, was strongly correlated with increased pupil dilation and blink rate. These results demonstrate the value of integrating eye-tracking technology with subjective assessments to achieve a comprehensive understanding of UAV operator interactions. The insights gained can inform the design of more intuitive and efficient UAV interfaces and training programs, enhancing operational safety and efficiency. This study contributes significantly to military aviation training and interface design, emphasizing the necessity of incorporating technological advancements with human factors to optimize UAV operations.

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