Using fractal dimension to assess robot operator search skill

Abstract

This paper discusses a new real-time fractal path analysis (RTFPA) algorithm and its use in training robot operators. Twenty-five volunteers participated in an experiment to evaluate the use of the RTFPA algorithm as a metric for robot operator search skill. The algorithm was used to estimate the fractal dimension of a path taken by a simulated, teleoperated Inuktun Extreme VGTV within a game-based training environment. The results show that within the sample population there exists a curvilinear relationship between fractal dimension and score. This relationship seems to indicate that when used along with score, fractal dimension can be used as a measure of an operator's search strategy and ability to maintain situational awareness. An additional analysis confirms the results of prior work showing that there is no evidence of a relationship between fractal dimension and task completion time.