A brain-based system for adaptive automation

Abstract

Adaptive automation refers to technology that can change its mode of operation dynamically. Further, both the technology and the operator can initiate changes in the level or mode of automation. One of the important issues surrounding this technology concerns the method for initiating changes in the state of automation. The present paper considers the potential of using brain activity to drive an adaptive automation system. Relevant research on EEG is presented followed by a review of several experiments in which EEG is used to trigger changes among system modes in an adaptive automation system. The system moderates operator task load based upon an index derived from a ratio of EEG power bands. The research shows that it may be feasible to build an adaptive automation system and use this index of brain activity to drive the system. The paper concludes with a discussion of several issues that still need to be addressed before this approach can move beyond the laboratory.