On the Use of Machine Learning for EEG-Based Workload Assessment: Algorithms Comparison in a Realistic Task

The measurement of the mental workload during real tasks by means of neurophysiological signals is still challenging. The employment of Machine Learning techniques has allowed a step forward in this direction, however, most of the work has dealt with binary classification. This study proposed to examine the surveys already performed in the context of EEG-based workload classification and to test different machine learning algorithms on real multitasking activity like the Air Traffic Management. The results obtained on 35 professional Air Traffic Controllers showed that a KNN algorithm allows discriminating up to three workload levels (low, medium and high) with more than 84% of accuracy on average. Moreover, in such realistic employment it emerges how important is to opportunely choose the set of features to ward off that task-related confounds could affect the workload assessment.