Gaming experience predicts UAS operator performance and workload in simulated search and rescue missions

Area of Science:

• Human Factors
• Aerospace Engineering
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Operator training and selection for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) require refinement to manage performance, workload, and stress.
• Commercial videogame experience may cultivate skills transferable to modern UAS operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the predictive relationship between videogame experience and operator performance, workload, and stress in a simulated UAS mission.
• To determine if gaming experience influences key metrics of UAS operator effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Forty-nine participants completed a simulated search and rescue mission over nine trials.
• Participants' videogame experience was recorded and correlated with performance, subjective workload, and stress levels.

Main Results:

• Videogame experience showed a negative correlation with subjective workload and a positive correlation with multiple performance measures.
• Gender-related performance differences diminished when controlling for videogame experience.
• Higher gaming frequency was associated with lower distress and workload, and higher task engagement.

Conclusions:

• Videogame experience is a significant predictor of UAS operator performance, workload, and stress.
• Gaming experience offers a potential avenue for enhancing operator selection and training protocols for remotely operated systems.
• The findings suggest that videogame skills are relevant to the demands of UAS operation.