Task Interdependence in Human-Robot Teaming

Abstract

Human-robot teaming is becoming increasingly common within manufacturing processes. A key aspect practitioners need to decide on when developing effective processes is the level of task interdependence between human and robot team members. Task interdependence refers to the extent to which one's behavior affects the performance of others in a team. In this work, we examine the effects of three levels of task interdependence—pooled, sequential, reciprocal—in human-robot teaming on human worker's mental states, task performance, and perceptions of the robot. Participants worked with the robot in an assembly task while their heart rate variability was being recorded. Results suggested human workers in the reciprocal interdependence level experienced less stress and perceived the robot more as a collaborator than other two levels. Task interdependence did not affect perceived safety. Our findings highlight the importance of considering task structure in human-robot teaming and inform future research on and industry practices for human-robot task allocation.