Augmented Cognition can increase human performance in the control room

Many approaches have attempted to address a truly symbiotic relationship between human and machine but, thus far, a critical shortcoming has been the computer’s inability to account for human information processing (HIP) limitations. The field of Augmented Cognition (AugCog) capitalizes on recent advances in the areas of neuroscience, cognitive science and human-computer interaction to create closed-loop systems that can measure HIP and account for problems in real-time. The closed-loop architecture is achieved by employing neuro- physiological sensors that monitor operators’ cognitive activity and respond to indicators of non-optimal information processing. Upon indication of a problem, mitigation strategies are employed in real-time to counteract the problem. Examples of HIP parameters investigated by existing AugCog systems include sensory bottlenecks, cognitive workload, alertness, arousal, and situation awareness. Obtained benefits with regard to information throughput, error reduction and operator performance have consistently reached orders of magnitude. The cognitive challenges of power plant control room operators are similar to those encountered in the originally investigated military settings. Thus, by adopting an AugCog closed-loop approach, similar benefits may be realized within the control room domain. After an introduction of the general concept, this paper outlines two distinct approaches to AugCog systems and their respective applicability to the specific needs of the control room environment. It is illustrated how a closed-loop AugCog system could substantially enhance operator performance in next- generation power plant control rooms.