Presentation
Vibrotactile Displays to Support Hazard Awareness in Excavation Operations
DescriptionIn the construction industry, the use of heavy machinery poses substantial risks, particularly from obscured hazards such as underground utilities. This research leverages Wickens' Multiple Resources Theory to investigate whether vibrotactile feedback can enhance spatial awareness and reduce cognitive load without overloading the operator’s sensory channels. The study tests the efficacy of vibrotactile cues delivered through a joystick, evaluating their impact on operators' performance in a simulated environment. The focus is to examine how various vibrotactile patterns affect excavator navigation, their impact on secondary tasks requiring visual and spatial processing, and the overall cognitive workload experienced. Conducted with 24 participants, the study compares four vibrotactile conditions: no vibration, intensity, pulse duration, and pulse spacing. The findings provide valuable insights into the design of vibrotactile displays, demonstrating that the intensity condition notably improves performance metrics and reduces cognitive workload, thereby highlighting its potential to enhance safety and efficiency in construction operations.
Event Type
Lecture
TimeThursday, September 12th2:10pm - 2:30pm MST
LocationFLW Salon A
Extended Reality