Machine endowment cost model: task assignment between humans and machines

Abstract

Although research on human–machine task assignment has presently received academic attention, the theoretical foundation of task assignment requires further development. Based on the two-dimensional characteristics of task flexibility and cognition, a machine endowment cost model is built to examine the economic allocation of tasks between humans and machines. The model derives a machine production possibility curve that directly divides all tasks into two categories, one each for machines and humans. The model shows the dynamic of task allocation between humans and machines as the economic environment evolves, such as wage growth and technological development, and provides conditions wherein task polarization may prevail. The model can be applied to human–machine task assignment decisions in industry and services.