Paradox of time pressure: Cognitive and task performance during time-sensitive and challenging teleoperation

A heavy machinery operators' ability to adhere to schedules is crucial for the success of construction projects. However, unforeseen delays often occur during projects, forcing operators to expedite their work. This pressure often presents challenges for teleoperators. Completing tasks remotely typically takes longer than performing the same tasks on-site due to reduced situational awareness and reliance on technology for perception and understanding in remote workplaces. These inherent aspects of teleoperation add complexity to tasks, especially under time-constrained conditions. This study explores operators' cognitive and task performance during teleoperation of challenging tasks under various time pressures. Thirty-one participants operated a virtual excavator under four different levels of time pressure during the experiments. Results show that appropriate time pressure enhances task performance in aspects of safety, productivity, and quality, whereas excessive pressure results in cognitive overload, disengagement, impaired situational awareness, increased errors, and reduced productivity. This research contributes to enhancing the understanding of teleoperation from the operator's perspective, addressing cognitive challenges to improve safety and efficiency during the remote operation of heavy machinery in construction.