Exploring Mixed Reality Robot Communication Under Different types of Mental Workload

Abstract

This paper explores the tradeoffs between different types of mixed reality robotic communication under different levels of user workload. We present the results of a within-subjects experiment in which we systematically and jointly vary robot communication style alongside level and type of cognitive load, and measure subsequent impacts on accuracy, reaction time, and perceived workload and effectiveness. Our preliminary results suggest that although humans may not notice differences, the manner of load a user is under and the type of communication style used by a robot they interact with do in fact interact to determine their task effectiveness