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

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.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Scientific Reports
Published
2026-02-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-39195-y
Primary Topic
Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

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

Konrad Wojtowicz, Przemysław Wojciechowski, Adrian Panasiewicz
Scientific Reports
Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue
article

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

Konrad Wojtowicz, Przemysław Wojciechowski, Adrian Panasiewicz
article en

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.

Scientific ReportsVol. 16(1)
Military University of Technology in Warsaw (PL)
Life in Land
Openalex Percentile: Top 54%
Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.