How Human–Robot Interaction Can Influence Task Performance and Perceived Cognitive Load at Different Support Conditions

Abstract

Cognitive load refers to the mental resources used for executing simultaneous tasks. Since these resources are limited, individuals can only process a specific amount of information at a time. Daily activities often involve mentally demanding tasks, which is why social robots have been proposed to simplify them and support users. This study aimed to verify whether and how a social robot can enhance the performance and support the management of cognitive load. Participants completed a baseline where a cognitive activity was carried out without support, and three other conditions where similar activities of increasing difficulty were collaboratively made with the NAO robot. In each condition, errors, time, and perceived cognitive load were measured. Results revealed that the robot improved performance and perceived cognitive load when compared to the baseline, but this support was then thwarted by excessive levels of cognitive load. Future research should focus on developing and designing collaborative human–robot interactions that consider the user’s mental demand, to promote effective and personalized robotic help for independent living.