Neural correlates of augmented reality safety warnings: EEG analysis of situational awareness and cognitive performance in roadway work zones

Work zone crashes and fatalities persist at alarming rates, highlighting the need for innovative safety solutions. Augmented Reality (AR) safety warnings have shown promise, yet their impact on situational awareness, attention, and cognitive workload remains underexplored. To bridge this gap, this study investigates the neurophysiological responses to AR-assisted warnings in roadway work zones under varying workload conditions. Leveraging electroencephalogram (EEG) technology within a virtual reality simulation of work zones, we objectively evaluated post-warning situational awareness, attention, and cognitive load during low-intensity (LA) and moderate-intensity (MA) activities. Key EEG indicators, including beta, gamma, alpha, and theta waves, as well as combined wave ratios, were used to measure these responses. Results revealed that AR warnings effectively triggered neurological responses associated with increased situational awareness and attention across both workload conditions. However, significant differences were observed in the timing and intensity of these responses. In the LA condition, peak responses occurred earlier (within 125 ms post-warning) and were more pronounced, suggesting a more robust cognitive response when physical demands were lower. Conversely, the MA condition showed delayed peak responses (125–250 ms post-warning) and more gradual changes, indicating a potential impact of increased physical activity on cognitive processing speed. These findings underscore the importance of considering physical workload when designing AR-based safety systems for roadway work zones. The research contributes to the understanding of how AR can enhance worker safety and provides insights for developing more effective, context-aware safety interventions in high-risk work environments.