Work

What is buzzing around me? Assessing the influence of indoor unmanned aerial vehicles on human cognitive performance and well-being

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are becoming increasingly common in both everyday life and professional contexts. The present study investigates the human factors that have to be considered in the adoption of UAVs in practice. In a one-factorial design, the impact of UAV indoor flights on human cognitive performance and well-being were analyzed. Fourty-eight participants were divided into an experimental (EG) and a control group (CG) and completed the Work Efficiency Test. In the EG, UAVs flew different path trajectories indoors behind a safety net. Additionally, flow experience, mental effort, and mental strain were measured. Results show that the EG performed marginally worse on the Work Efficiency Test than the CG and experienced less flow during task processing. Additional qualitative interviews showed that participants felt distracted by UAV noise and flight trajectories. Our results corroborate that the human factor cognitive performance should be considered in the implementation of UAV technology in the workplace.

Source: Applied Ergonomics

DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104476

Authors: Olga Vogel, Raphael Dyrska, Jens Müller, Martin Mönnigmann, Annette Kluge

Institution: Ruhr University Bochum

Language: English

Topic: Human-Automation Interaction and Safety

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400