The appropriate automation in armored vehicles is vital for the operational efficiency and personnel security of operators. In this study, fifty subjects conducted over-the-horizon strike and N-back tests at different automation levels based on a virtual simulation system for armored vehicles. Physiological signals and subjective assessments were recorded. The mental load and task performance of operators were related to different automation levels. Results suggested that the mental load decreased with the increase of automation levels. Apart from object destruction time, heart rate and standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), other indexes were all significantly affected by the automation level of subtasks (p < 0.01). The NASA-TLX scores, object destruction time, response time of abnormal states, and reaction time in N-back tests decreased by at least 2.9 %, 8.2 %, 11.2 % and 1.3 % respectively, while the mean accuracy in N-back tests increased by 0.1 %. Furthermore, there existed several automation levels of tasks where the task performance remained almost unchanged under normal operation. The function of task automation on decreasing mental load reduced in the following order: A3-B3-C2-D2-E2, A2-B2-C2-D2-E2, and A3-B3-C1-D1-E1. The main contribution of this research was to provide a qualitative method and framework for the evaluation of influences of automation level on operators’ mental load, and the design of human-machine interaction and adaptive automation in automated systems.
The design of underground hard rock pillars plays a crucial role in the safety and stability of underground mining operations. Ensuring safe and efficient resource extraction while safeguarding the well-being of miners is of paramount importance. This paper provides an overview of the background and significance of underground hard rock pillar design, presenting a comprehensive exploration of various technologies employed in assessing and designing stable pillars. These methodologies include empirical formulas, numerical simulations, statistical analyses, and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, each contributing to enhancing safety and resource extraction efficiency in mining operations. Furthermore, this paper conducts a systematically analysis of global trends from the year 2000 onwards, utilizing CiteSpace and VOSviewer software tools. This analytical approach aims to provide a quantitative assessment of the domain of pillar design. Notably, the future of hard rock pillar design is poised for a transformative shift, as it involves the integration of data-driven and theory-driven approaches. By combining AI with finite element and discrete element simulations, the industry anticipates achieving more accurate, adaptable, and dynamic pillar designs. This integration is expected to not only improve safety and environmental sustainability but also yield significant economic benefits. In conclusion, the merging of data-driven and theory-driven methodologies in underground hard rock pillar design represents a promising avenue for advancing the field, ensuring safer, more sustainable, and economically viable underground mining practices.