The Effect of Synchronizing Construction Machinery and Operator Seat Rotation on Sense of Agency and Simulator Sickness in Remote-Controlled Operations

Abstract

To prevent secondary disasters, remote-controlled construction machinery is being developed. However, traditional fixed-seat systems pose challenges such as reduced operability and simulator sickness. This study developed a remote-control system featuring a rotating seat, a camera-equipped radio-controlled construction machine, a head-mounted display, and a controller. During operation, the seat and the construction machine rotated synchronously. Experimental results indicated that operability, as assessed by the sense of agency, was significantly higher than zero only with seat rotation. Additionally, participants who experienced severe simulator sickness without seat rotation tended to show reduced symptoms with seat rotation, compared to those who experienced mild simulator sickness without it.