Using functional near infrared spectroscopy to assess cognitive performance of UAV sensor operators during route scanning

The composition of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) crew will sometimes define roles specific to tasks associated with the Ground Control Station (GCS). The sensor operator task is specific to both the type of platform and GCS they are operating, but in many instances the role of this operator is critical in determining mission success. In order to assess mission effectiveness we applied human performance measures that focussed on neurological brain imaging techniques and other physiological biomarkers in conjunction with behavioral data acquired from the sensor operator task. In the execution of the experiment, this included such tasks as route scanning, target detection and positive identification, and the tracking of identified targets. Within the scope of this paper, we reported the preliminary results for the route scanning task. Over the duration of three trials brain activity measures from the prefrontal cortex region were acquired via functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in this research study. As the trials progressed, there was a significant difference between low and high performers on the route scanning task as determined by specific biomarkers, namely oxygenated haemoglobin. These findings support previous studies and indicates the benefits of applying neurophysiological measures in order to gain further objective insight into human cognitive performance. The use of fNIRS in this context is also discussed in terms of providing a key benefit in dynamically evaluating human performance in parallel with personalized training for UAV operators