Enhancing UAV Crew Performance and Safety: A Technology and Innovation Management Perspective

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have proliferated across diverse industries, from military and agriculture to logistics and emergency response, driven by technological advancements. The integration of UAVs into various sectors underscores the critical importance of optimizing human factors to ensure operational efficiency, safety, and mission success. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the literature on human factors in UAV operations, focusing on cognitive workload, situational awareness, decision-making, ergonomic design, and human-machine interaction. From a perspective of technology and innovation management, the study also aims to identify influential publications and authors, track research trends over time, analyze collaborative networks among researchers and institutions, and uncover prevalent themes and keywords in the literature. By synthesizing these insights, the analysis provides a nuanced understanding of current research dynamics, offering valuable implications for UAV operators, regulators, and policymakers. These findings are pivotal for advancing the field and guiding future research initiatives aimed at enhancing crew performance and safety in UAV operations.