Team robot identification theory (TRIT): robot attractiveness and team identification on performance and viability in human–robot teams

Abstract

Prior literature suggests that shared identity and social attraction between team members and their robots can be vital for the human–robot interaction. However, more attention is needed to understand the potential performance benefits associated with team identification (TI) and robot attractiveness in human–robot teams. We proposed a theoretical framework of team robot identification theory. We conducted a laboratory experiment to examine the impacts of TI and social attraction toward robots on team performance and viability in 30 human–robot teams comprising two humans and two physical robots. Results showed that TI in human–robot teams led to better performance and team viability. Both effects were mediated by the social attraction between team members and their robots. These results evidenced the direct links between TI and objective and subjective team outcomes, explained through social attraction toward robots. We discuss the results and their theoretical and practical implications.