No research has addressed whether performance benefits associated with "brain-based" adaptive automation systems exceed those in which users have control over task allocations. In this study, two experiments are presented examining adaptive and adaptable methods for invoking automation. Study participants performed a suite of flight-related tasks, including monitoring and resource management tasks as well as a tracking task that shifted between automatic and manual modes. In the first experiment, participants worked with an adaptive system that used their electroencephalographic signals to switch the tracking task between automatic and manual modes. Participants were also divided between high- and low-reliability conditions for the system-monitoring task as well as high- and low-complacency potential. For the second experiment, participants operated an adaptable system that gave them manual control over task allocations. Results indicated increased situation awareness (SA) of gauge instrument settings for individuals high in complacency potential using the adaptive system. Participants who had control over automation performed more poorly on the resource management task and reported higher levels of workload. A comparison between systems also revealed enhanced SA of gauge instrument settings and decreased workload in the adaptive condition. These findings indicate that brain-based adaptive automation systems may enhance perceptual level SA while reducing mental workload compared with systems requiring user-initiated control.
Abstract