PROCEEDINGS of the HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS SOCIETY 39th ANNUAL MEETING-1995 1365 A BIO-CY BERNETIC SYSTEM FOR ADAPTIVE AUTOMATION

A bio-cybernetic, closed-loop system was validated for use in an adaptive automation environment. Subjects were asked to perform either a single task or multiple tasks from the Multi-Attribute Task Battery. EEG was continuously sampled while they performed the task(s) and an EEG index was derived (20 BetalAlpha + Theta). The system switched between manual and automatic modes according to the level of operator engagement based upon the EEG index. The NASA-TLX was administered after each trial. The results of the study demonstrated that it was possible to moderate an operator's level of engagement through a closed-loop system driven by the operator's EEG. In addition, the system was sensitive to increases in task load. These findings show promise for designing adaptive automation technology around psychophysiological input. Adaptive automation refers to systems which can adjust their methods of operation in response to changing situational demands. Unlike traditional forms of automation, both the system and the operator may have the authority to initiate changes among modes o