Elizabeth Phillips

From Tools to Teammates Toward the Development of Appropriate Mental Models for Intelligent Robots

A transition in robotics from tools to teammates is underway, but, because it is in an early state, experience with intelligent robots and agents is limited. As such, human mental models of intelligent robots are primitive, easily influenced by superficial characteristics, and often incomplete or inaccurate. This paper investigates the factors that influence mental models of robots, and explores solutions for the formation of accurate and useful mental models with a specific focus on military applications. Humans must possess a clear and accurate understanding of how robots communicate and operate, particularly in military settings where intelligent, autonomous robotic agents are desired. Complete and accurate mental models in these hazardous and critical applications will reduce the inherent danger of automation disuse or misuse. Implications for training and developing appropriate trust are also discussed.

Team Size, Team Role, Communication Modality, and Team Coordination in the Distributed Operation of Multiple Heterogeneous Unmanned Vehicles

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of team size, communication modality, and team role on measures of team process over time. As the use of semiautonomous, unmanned vehicles increases, it is pertinent to investigate issues associated with the human teams that will control them, including consideration of team roles and the design of systems to support these roles. Using a 1:35 scale facility for military operations in urban terrain, distributed teams of two or three operators used a simulated, unmanned aerial vehicle and a scaled, unmanned ground vehicle to complete two distinct phases of a mission. The teams used either audio or instant messaging for communication, and the analysis of communication assessed their discussion of target identification, target classification, object localization, and vehicle navigation. Findings indicate that the addition of a third teammate resulted in greater role specificity, and the use of audio increased communication of task-relevant content. The proper assignment of team roles can improve the ability of a team to both acquire and synthesize information from remote environments. Furthermore, proper system design can improve the flow of information between teammates over time.

The Influence of Team Size and Communication Modality on Team Effectiveness with Unmanned Systems

This study examines the effects of team size (2 versus 3 operators) and communication modality (audio versus text) on team performance. Performance and workload measures from 112 undergraduate students from the University of Central Florida were used in this analysis. Results indicated that performance was optimal for teams of three operators using audio systems for distributed communication. Results with the NASA TLX showed patterns where workload was lower in the audio condition. Results with the Multiple Resources Questionnaire (MRQ) showed a reversed trend with a higher score in the audio condition, which was attributed to increases in items associated with audio processing.

Field Assessment of Multimodal Communication for Dismounted Human-Robot Teams

A field assessment of multimodal communication (MMC) was conducted as part of a program integration demonstration to support and enable bi-directional communication between a dismounted Soldier and a robot teammate. In particular, the assessment was focused on utilizing auditory and visual/gesture based communications. The task involved commanding a robot using semantically-based MMC. Initial participant data indicates a positive experience with the multimodal interface (MMI) prototype. The results of the experiment inform recommendations for multimodal designers regarding perceived usability and functionality of the currently implemented MMI.

Human-animal teams as an analog for future human-robot teams

Current military robotics research aims to transition the robot from tool to teammate, one that is more autonomous and acts with limited supervision within a highly complex and demanding environment. Investigating likely analogs to the human-robot team can provide guidance an inspiration into the simultaneous development of robot design and human training. Human-animal teams are one such metaphor that can provide insight into the capabilities of near-future robotic teammates. This paper explores the human-animal team metaphor, and describes a continuum of relevant human–animal team capabilities that can inform and guide the design of next-generation human–robot teams.

Human-animal teams as an analog for future human-robot teams: influencing design and fostering trust

Our work posits that existing human-animal teams can serve as an analog for developing effective human-robot teams. Existing knowledge of human-animal partnerships can be readily applied to the HRI domain to foster accurate mental models and appropriately calibrated trust in future human-robot teams. Human-animal relationships are examined in terms of the benefiting roles animals can play in enabling effective teaming, as well as the level of team interdependency and team communication, with the goal of developing applications in future human-robot teams.

An Investigation of Human Decision-Making in a Human—Robot Team Task

This paper presents initial insights from an exploratory analysis of human decision making in a human—robot teaming scenario. A cognitive model in the form of a decision tree was developed using local and national police foot pursuit protocols. Participants were asked to read through a series of hypothetical scenarios involving a Soldier and a robot engaging in a foot pursuit of a person of interest. Participants made decisions at each node of the decision tree and then a tactical decision concerning which member of the team should engage in the pursuit. Initial results revealed that individual decision nodes were not associated with participants’ choice in who should engage in the pursuit. Trust in robots, however, was significantly associated with the participants’ choices.

A Transdisciplinary Perspective on Hedonomic Sustainability Design

The impact of climate change should be a key concern of those in the human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) discipline. Our specialized knowledge and expertise can be applied toward mitigating the effects of climate change. In this article, we unite two perspectives to illustrate how HF/E can more productively contribute to the research and practice of sustainability. First, we describe differing forms of cross-disciplinary research, with a particular focus on the notion of transdisciplinary research and the concept of hedonomic design. Second, we unite these ideas to illustrate how they provide a set of complementary concepts that can guide HF/E sustainability research.

Developing a Tactical Language for Future Robotic Teammates

The transition of robots from valuable tools to useful teammates to humans is contingent upon successful communication methods. Effective communication has been shown to have a positive effect on the development and quality of shared mental models and on performance within human-human teams. Likely, effective communication will have a similarly positive effect within future human-robot teams. The purpose of this effort was, therefore, to develop a vocabulary database that facilitates the identification of suitable terms for tactical Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) in military contexts. The database can be utilized for the selection of appropriate terms to capture mission and movement intent, as well as to inform the selection of alternate terms to reduce communication errors. The end result of this research will help support the development of a human-robot language that enhances shared mental models among team members, and produce better interactions between human-robot teams.

Some Good and Bad with Spatial Ability in Three Person Teams That Operate Multiple Unmanned Vehicles

This study reports findings regarding the influence of spatial ability of each operator on a three person team on workload and performance. Sixty six participants were randomly assigned to the role of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operator, unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) operator, and intelligence officer (leader) to create a total of 22 teams, and spatial ability was assessed with Part 5 of the Guilford-Zimmerman Aptitude Survey. Findings indicated that spatial ability of the UAV operator and UGV operator improved reconnaissance, and while spatial ability of the UAV operator improved reacquisition of objectives after reconnaissance, spatial ability of the intelligence officer hindered team performance on this second task. A rationale for these results was developed with findings from the Multiple Resource Questionnaire (MRQ). Discussion focuses on the relationship between spatial ability and visual perception in complex teams.