Enhancing UAV Crew Performance and Safety: A Technology and Innovation Management Perspective

The integration of Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into various sectors underscores the importance of optimizing human factors to ensure operational efficiency, safety, and mission success. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the literature on human factors in UAV operations, focusing on cognitive workload, situational awareness, decision-making, ergonomic design, and human-machine interaction. The analysis was conducted using the WoS, covering publications from 2000 to 2023. Key findings include a significant increase in research output over the last decade, highlighting the growing interest and investment in UAV technology and human factors. Influential authors such as Rosenstein (2006), Patterson (2010), Reason (1990), Wiegmann (2001), and Shappell (2007), along with institutions like Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Southeast University China, Xidian University, and Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, have emerged as leaders in this field, contributing to advancements in ergonomic design and decision-making processes. Notably, there is a lack of comprehensive studies addressing the long-term cognitive workload effects on UAV operators and the development of standardized ergonomic guidelines tailored specifically for UAV operation environments. The integration of advanced human-machine interaction technologies remains underexplored, indicating a need for further research in this area. By highlighting these gaps, the analysis provides a nuanced understanding of current research dynamics, offering valuable implications for UAV operators, regulators, and policymakers. These findings are pivotal for advancing the field and guiding future research initiatives aimed at enhancing crew performance and safety in UAV operations.