The Applied Cognition & Training in Immersive Virtual Environments (ACTIVE) Lab is engaged in basic and applied research and development for the analysis and improvement of human performance. Our multi-disciplinary research team conducts cutting edge research in: • Human–Robot Interaction • Physiological Assessment & Human Factors • Simulation-based Training & Education • Conflict Risk Analysis & Management Current and previous work sponsored by: • Office of Naval Research (ONR) • U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) • Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) • Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) • The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) • U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) • The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) • The John Templeton Foundation
The ACTIVE Lab is continually recruiting qualified people for the following positions: – Post-Doctoral Research Associates – Graduate Research Assistants – Undergraduate Research Assistants Opportunities for Graduate Support Modeling & Simulation assistantships and fellowships are available. Contact Us Applied Cognition & Training in Immersive Virtual Environments (ACTIVE) Lab University of Central Florida Institute for Simulation and Training 3100 Technology Parkway Orlando, FL 32826 USA www.active.ist.ucf.edu
Stephanie Lackey, Ph.D. ACTIVE Lab Director slackey@ist.ucf.edu
The MIX Testbed seamlessly blends both an Unmanned System Simulator (USSIM) and an Operator Control Unit (OCU) to examine human performance of remote unit operators in relation to task/work load, situation awareness, and adaptive automation. This team has conducted extensive studies for governmental agencies as well as private sector partners. Topics researched include closedloop systems, adaptive automation and task load, workload variation and situation awareness, human computer interaction, “real versus virtual world environments,” and training transfer.
The ACTIVE Lab currently employs 35+ students, faculty, and staff conducting human centered research in the core areas of Human–Robot Interaction (HRI), Physiological Assessment & Human Factors, and Training & Education. Through the application of systems engineering principles, the ACTIVE Lab delivers prototype tools and technologies founded upon cutting edge science.
Human–Robot Interaction (HRI)
With the increasing inclusion of Unmanned Systems into the Warfighter’s arsenal, the ACTIVE Lab is conducting near and far term research focused on integrating mixed-initiative teams and their impact upon individual and team performance. This research thrust investigates HRI in the domain of supervisory control and dismounted humanrobot teaming to support operational tasks such as fixed site force protection and urban Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). Through the use of live and virtual experimental testbeds, ACTIVE Lab researchers investigate: • Multi-modal communication • Control of multiple robotic vehicles • Team interactions with multiple robots • Impact of automation on operator performance • Biometric cues within multi-cultural theaters of operation • Incorporation of physiological measures in closed-loop autonomous systems
The goal of these research efforts is to recommend HRI methods and technologies to facilitate Warfighter performance in combat environments.
Physiological Assessment & Human Factors
ACTIVE Lab utilizes cutting edge physiological technologies to conduct innovative research on human state in a variety of environments and situations. The current performance measurement toolbox includes: • FaceLab™ desk mounted eye tracker • Arrington™ head mounted eye tracker • ABM™ electroencephalograph • ThoughtTech™ suite (electrocardiograph, galvanic skin conductance, respiration tracker, and temperature monitor) • BIOPAC Systems Inc. Sensors (electrooculargraph, electrocardiograph, and galvanic skin response) These sensors can be integrated into ACTIVE’s Mixed-Initiative eXperimental (MIX) Testbed.
Training & Education
The ACTIVE Lab’s T&E team focuses on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of military instruction, while also seeking opportunities to apply lessons-learned beyond the Department of Defense. This team conducts an array of research—from basic (6.1) investigations, lab-based experimentation, and theory-building to applied (6.3) field studies, advanced concept development, and prototype product demonstration. General investigation topics include: • Adaptive instruction • Instructional strategies • Learning efficiency • Scenario-based instruction • Curricula design • Game-based learning This research has been applied in a variety of topic areas, including development of higherorder cognitive skills, metacognition, advanced perceptual abilities, and cultural awareness.