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 essential in emergency response, defense, and public safety, understanding how interface parameters shape cognitive workload is vital. This study examines how latency (low, medium, high), joystick sensitivity (low, medium, high), and pilot expertise (novice, intermediate, advanced) interact to affect performance during complex navigation and object-detection tasks. Using a mixed-methods design, participants operated in controlled simulations while electroencephalography (EEG) measured theta and alpha activity, markers of mental effort and attention. Results reveal that high latency and extreme sensitivity elevate cognitive strain, particularly in novices, while experienced pilots display adaptive resilience yet suffer under mismatched configurations. Elevated frontal theta indicates compensatory effort during delayed feedback, and alpha suppression under high sensitivity reflects focused attention. Optimal workload balance emerges under low-latency, medium-sensitivity settings. Findings inform EEG-driven adaptive interfaces that dynamically tune control parameters, enabling cognitively optimized, skill-aligned, and sustainable drone operations across high-stakes missions.

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

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006896

Cite this paper:

​