Ressources of the CAS

Contact: mickael.causse@isae.fr. Neuroergonomics is the application of tools and knowledge of neurosciences to ergonomics. The overall objective of neuroergonomics is to use existing data on human performance and brains functions to design human centered systems to improve their safety and efficiency. The discipline also aims at providing an advanced understanding of the neural mechanisms that sustained the human performance. Our main field of applications is aeronautics, in particular the piloting activity.  To reach its goals, neuroergonomics combine neuroscience and humans factors. Studies involve the CAS (Aeronautics and Space Center) laboratory in the ISAE (Institute of Aeronautics and Space) school (Toulouse, France). External clues of the brain activity may be monitored through the autonomous nervous system activity. Various recording techniques are used: electrocardiogram, skin conductance response, eye tracking etc. The main advantage of these non-invasive methods is that online recording in real context situations can be conducted. Deepest analyses involve neuroimaging means (fMRI, PET...) that allow observing the brain activity during the performance of different tasks. In neuroergonomics framework, the tasks are supposed to be the most similar as possible to the ones performed by operators in working context. In aeronautics, the ergonomics of the various instruments has made considerable progress. In the future, the development of HMI that allows an immediate comprehension of the situation and provide means to undertake promptly the appropriate actions are very promising way to convert catastrophic human and financial outcome in critical situation that could be restored.