Evaluating the Impact of Haptic Cueing on Training Effectiveness in a Helicopter Roll-Tracking Task

Helicopter control presents significant challenges due to the system’s inherent instability and the high cognitive demands placed on the pilot. This study investigates the effect of haptic cueing on training effectiveness in a VR simulator-based compensatory roll-tracking task. Task difficulty was varied through changes in system dynamics, stability, and task type. Haptic cues, designed using McRuer’s crossover model, were delivered via a vibrotactile suit to provide intuitive feedback on roll-angle errors. Performance was assessed using mean squared error, training time, and Bedford Workload Questionnaire. Results showed improved performance for the haptic-trained group, particularly as task difficulty increased, with minimal impact on training time. Although data variability was high due to the small sample size, findings indicate that haptic cueing enhances training in complex control tasks.