Immersion, Presence, and Flow in Robot-Aided ISR Simulation-Based Training

The Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) domain offers a rich application environment for Soldier-Robot teaming and involves multiple tasks that can be effectively allocated across human and robot assets based upon their capabilities. The U.S. Armed Forces envisions Robot-Aided ISR (RAISR) as a strategic advantage and decisive force multiplier. Given the rapid advancement of robotics, Human Systems Integration (HSI) represents a critical risk to the success of RAISR. Simulation-Based Training (SBT) will play a key role in mitigating HSI risks and migrating from traditional Soldier-Robot operation to mixed-initiative teaming. However, research is required to understand the SBT methods and tools most applicable to the RAISR task domain. This paper summarizes results from empirical experimentation aimed at comparing traditional SBT strategies (e.g., Massed Exposure, Highlighting), and understanding the impact of Immersion, Presence, and Flow on performance. Relationships between Immersion, Presence, and Flow are explored and recommendations for future research are included.