Emerging Technologies and Challenges in Hybrid Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations in The Metaverse Era

With the maturity of UAV technologies and the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become an essential component in multiple industries, representing a crucial tool for addressing current and future challenges. Integrating emerging technologies and advanced training methodologies for unmanned aerial vehicle operators is essential to ensure the efficient and safe use of these technologies. This research investigates critical gaps in understanding the emerging risks associated with human-machine interaction, from the perspective of occupational safety and health (OSH). While automation contributes to simplifying processes, extended reality (XR) facilitates the development of interactive educational resources, and augmented artificial intelligence (AAI) amplifies human cognitive capabilities through the use of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. In the context of the industrial metaverse, these technologies offer significant opportunities for optimizing operational efficiency, supporting the training of drone operators in successfully managing the complexities of modern airspace.