Research on drowsiness detection in UAV operators based on the random decision forest method

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Authors: Konrad Wojtowicz, Przemysław Wojciechowski, Adrian Panasiewicz
Cited by: 1
References: 52

Abstract

Drowsiness poses a significant risk in safety-critical operations such as operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). While behavioral indicators like eye closure and head pose are effective for detection, the interpretability of complex models remains a challenge. This work employs a Random Forest model not merely as a classifier, but as a diagnostic tool to analyze dataset biases and feature correlations in drowsiness detection. Using established benchmarks, we demonstrate how this interpretable framework provides actionable insight into feature importance and model decision boundaries. The analysis offers a method to audit training data and informs the more reliable application of high-performance black-box systems. Our approach underscores the value of model transparency for developing robust, trustworthy drowsiness detection in operational environments.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue Human-Automation Interaction and Safety Air Traffic Management and Optimization

Publication details

Journal / source
Scientific Reports
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
16
Issue
1
Publication date
18 February 2026
Language
EN