Brian R. Johnson

Texas Tech University, Naval Aerospace Medical Institute

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Brian R. Johnson is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction, with a primary focus on teleoperation and perceptual judgments in complex environments. His work addresses critical challenges in urban search and rescue (USAR), where robots frequently become stuck due to operators’ difficulty in assessing whether a robot can pass through apertures. Johnson’s major contributions include experimentally demonstrating that teleoperators often misjudge passability—the ability of a robot to fit through openings—and that these judgments are influenced by dynamic control factors rather than static dimensions alone. His 2011 paper, "Teleoperation Through Apertures," with 24 citations, is a foundational study in this area, revealing that operators’ decisions are often flawed, leading to robot entrapment. Earlier work (2009, 3 citations) further tested operators’ self-awareness of their driving ability through apertures, showing a gap between perceived and actual capability. Johnson’s research has practical implications for designing better teleoperation interfaces and training protocols, ultimately enhancing robot autonomy and mission success in hazardous environments. His work is essential reading for students and researchers in robotics, human factors, and disaster response technology.