Enhancing Emergency Response: The Critical Role of Interface Design in Mining Emergency Robots

Abstract

While robotic technologies have shown great promise in enhancing productivity and safety, their integration into the mining sector, particularly for search and rescue (SAR) missions, remains limited. The success of these systems depends not only on their technical capabilities, but also on the effectiveness of human–robot interaction (HRI) in high-risk, time-sensitive environments. This review synthesizes key human factors, including cognitive load, situational awareness, trust, and attentional control, that critically influence the design and operation of robotic interfaces for mine rescue missions. Drawing on established cognitive theories such as Endsley’s Situational Awareness Model, Wickens’ Multiple Resource Theory, Mental Model and Cognitive Load Theory, we identified core challenges in current SAR interface design for mine rescue missions and mapped them to actionable design principles. We proposed a human-centered framework tailored to underground mine rescue operations, with specific recommendations for layered feedback, multimodal communication, and adaptive interfaces. By contextualizing cognitive science in the domain of mining emergencies, this work offers a structured guide for designing intuitive, resilient, and operator-supportive robotic systems.