Cognitive and Performance Effects of Latency and Sensitivity in Drone Control: A Neuroergonomic Perspective Across Skill Levels

Abstract: As small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) become critical in fields such as defense, emergency response, public safety, and aerial media production, understanding how their control interfaces influence a pilot’s cognitive workload is increasingly important. This study tested how latency (10, 50, 100 ms) and joystick sensitivity (low, medium, high) interact with pilot experience during complex navigation tasks. Using a within-subjects design and real-time EEG, the experiment examined how pilots adapt to delayed feedback and varying levels of controller responsiveness. Higher latency and high sensitivity consistently increased cognitive strain, reflected in elevated theta activity, reduced alpha power, and unstable beta rhythms. Novices were the most affected, while advanced pilots showed stronger predictive control and rapid neural recovery. Across groups, low-latency and medium-sensitivity settings provided the most stable workload balance. These results establish the foundation for guiding the development of real-time adaptive autopilots and training systems.

Keywords: Neuroergonomics, Control Interface Design, Latency and Sensitivity, Pilot Expertise, sUAS performance, Cognitive Workload Measurement

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006896

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