Exploring the effect of human-drone communication modality on safety and balance control in virtual construction environments
通过虚拟现实实验，研究了手势和语音两种人机交互方式对建筑工人平衡控制和跌倒风险的影响，发现交互方式能改善平衡但语音会增加认知负荷。
This study examines the impact of Human-Drone Interaction (HDI) modalities on construction workers' safety and balance control within virtual environments. Utilising virtual reality (VR) simulations, the study explored how gesture and speech-based communications influence workers' physical postures and balance, contrasting these modalities with a non-interactive control group. One hundred participants were recruited, and their movements and balance control were tracked using motion sensors while they interacted with virtual drones through either gesture, speech, or without communication. Results showed that interactive modalities significantly improved balance control and reduced the risk of falls, suggesting that advanced HDI can enhance safety on construction sites. However, speech-based interaction increased cognitive workload, highlighting a trade-off between physical safety and mental strain. These findings underscore the potential of integrating intuitive communication methods into construction operations, although further research is needed to optimise these interactions for long-term use and in diverse noise environments.