Unleashing the Power of AI Mobile Robots: A Journey into CognitiveLoad, Multimodal Signalling, and Trust in Multi-Robot Team

Abstract: This Master's thesis examines the impact of multimodal signalling on cognitive load, trust, and usability in multi-robot teams using a within-subjects design. The study investigates whether feedback through multimodal signalling effectively conveys trust and minimises cognitive load for operators. Findings indicate no significant impact of multimodal signalling on cognitive load and overall trust levels. However, correlations suggest that prior experience with remote-controlled vehicles and specific video games may influence perceived cognitive load. The study included 8 participants who had varying background knowledge of AI and operating mobile robots, ranging from individuals with extensive expertise in AI and robotics to those with limited experience in the field. Usability feedback highlights the importance of a reliable camera feed and scalable user interfaces. The study emphasises the complexity of the relationship between feedback modalities, cognitive load, and trust. Future research should explore multimodal signalling in different contexts to deepen our understanding of human-robot interaction.