Exploring the effect of human-drone communication modality on safety and balance control in virtual construction environments
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Ergonomics
DOI
10.1080/00140139.2024.2380342
Abstract
This study examines the impact of Human-Drone Interaction (HDI) modalities on construction workers’ safety and balance control within virtual environments. Utilising virtual reality (VR) simulations, the study explored how gesture and speech-based communications influence workers’ physical postures and balance, contrasting these modalities with a non-interactive control group. One hundred participants were recruited, and their movements and balance control were tracked using motion sensors while they interacted with virtual drones through either gesture, speech, or without communication. Results showed that interactive modalities significantly improved balance control and reduced the risk of falls, suggesting that advanced HDI can enhance safety on construction sites. However, speech-based interaction increased cognitive workload, highlighting a trade-off between physical safety and mental strain. These findings underscore the potential of integrating intuitive communication methods into construction operations, although further research is needed to optimise these interactions for long-term use and in diverse noise environments.
Keywords
balance control, cognitive workload, construction safety, Human-Drone Interaction (HDI)
Department
Industrial and Systems Engineering
Recommended Citation
Boyi Hu, Shuyan Xia, Zixian Zhu, Jiun Yao Cheng, Yue Luo, Idris Jeelani, and Masoud Gheisari. "Exploring the effect of human-drone communication modality on safety and balance control in virtual construction environments" Ergonomics (2024). https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2024.2380342
