Comparing Human and Robot Assistance on Cognitive Load in Younger and Older Adults: Behavioural, Subjective, and Physiological Evidence

This dataset contains the anonymized experimental data collected for the study investigating the effects of human–robot interaction (HRI) and human–human interaction (HHI) on cognitive load during task performance in younger and older adults. Participants completed a modified Trail Making Test under seven conditions: independent baseline, three robot-assisted conditions (low, medium, and high cognitive load), and three human-assisted conditions with equivalent cognitive load levels. The dataset includes three components: Task performance data (accuracy and completion time) Perceived cognitive load measured using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) Physiological stress responses measured through salivary cortisol concentrations before and after assisted conditions. All data have been anonymised and are provided in tabular format to allow replication of the analyses reported in the associated publication.