Steering Performance and Dynamic Complexity in a Simulated Underground Mining Vehicle

Research concerning the visuomotor control of steering suggests that some steering systems used in underground shuttle cars are not optimal. This research compared the performance of two groups of participants steering with a joystick interface through a simulated underground mine environment. The joystick employed either first-order or second-order control of heading. Results indicated poorer performance with second-order steering dynamics in the early stages of the experiment, which generally did not improve to levels observed in the first-order group. Poorer overall performance suggests that equipment manufacturers should reconsider the use of second-order steering dynamics in their vehicle designs. Alternately, simulation-based training technologies may have the potential to safely accelerate individual attainment of competence in the use of second-order steering systems.