A conceptual model of team dynamical behaviors and performance in human-autonomy teaming

Abstract

The focus of this study is to bring new insights on the relationship between team dynamics and performance at the systems (i.e. global) level. In this light, we describe a body of research that identifies characteristics of team dynamics and their relation to team performance. Non-linear dynamical systems methods were applied to communication and coordination behaviors of teams in two different studies: human-synthetic agent teams in a Remotely-Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) simulated task environment and human-dyads in a simulated victim locator Minecraft task environment. An inverted U-shaped model was discovered that related team coordination and team performance. Specifically, we identified that Human-Autonomy Team (HAT)s were rigid compared to all-human teams that were least stable; and the extreme stability and instability is associated with low levels of team performance. Based on this model, we hypothesize that (1) with enough training and experience, teams should become increasingly stable, ultimately reaching an optimal blend of stability and flexibility and (2) as autonomous agents become increasingly flexible and adaptive, HATs should trend toward this moderate level of stability.