Robot Transparency and Team Orientation Effects on Human–Robot Teaming

ABSTRACT

Human–robot team members often have to interact in a situation when the team members are not physically collocated requiring effective communication to establish and maintain effective human–robot performance. Previous research suggests that characteristics of robot communication can have positive impact on human–robot interaction outcomes such as trust, situation awareness, workload, and performance. In this study, we investigated the joint effects of robot communication transparency (low to high, increasing the amount of information provided through text messages) and team orientation (i.e., robot’s text messages communicating team membership with We statements) properties of messages sent by a ground robot to a human teammate who was responsible for supervisory control. The results showed both benefits and limitations of increased transparency indicating the importance of careful implementation of transparency methods. Team orientation manipulation showed to be ineffective (and potentially detrimental) also indicating that caution needs to be exercised when implementing elements intended to improve group cohesion and team inclusiveness. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

S. Guznov

S. Guznov is a Research Psychologist at the Human Trust and Interaction Branch within the 711 Human Performance Wing of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). He received a PhD from the University of Cincinnati in 2011.

J. Lyons

J. Lyons is the Core Research Area lead for Collaborative Interfaces and Teaming within the 711 Human Performance Wing of the Air Force Research Laboratory. Lyons received a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Wright State University in 2005.

M. Pfahler

M. Pfahler is a Researcher for the Human Trust and Interaction Branch within the 711 Human Performance Wing of the Air Force Research Laboratory. Pfahler received a Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati in 2013.

A. Heironimus

A. Heironimus is a Research Assistant for the Human Trust and Interaction Branch within the 711 Human Performance Wing of the Air Force Research Laboratory contracted under Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education. Heironimus received a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from Wright State University in 2018.

M. Woolley

M. Woolley is a graduate student in Wright State University’s Industrial Organizational and Human Factors Psychology PhD program.

J. Friedman

J. Friedman is a Mechanical Engineer with a focus on human-centered automation. Jeremy has a B.A. degree in history from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and is currently working toward a M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution.

A. Neimeier

A. Neimeier is a graduate student at Northern Kentucky University attaining her M.S. in Industrial Organizational Psychology.