Human-Robot Action Teams: A Behavioral Analysis of Team Dynamics

Abstract

Robotics researchers are increasingly exploring how robots can support human groups and teams. Action teams experience high workload, must work quickly, and must make decisions under uncertainty. Robots in these teams must be designed and contextualized to not contribute to errors or interrupt human team workflow. We conducted a study where human-robot action teams collaborated with a mobile manipulator (Stretch) in an escape room paradigm to better understand: 1) how a robot’s actions influenced intra-team dynamics, and 2) how attitudes towards the robot affected human-robot teaming. Our behavioral analysis highlights the effect of a robot’s functional and social behaviors on its acceptance within teams, how human teams adapt to perceived robot capabilities, and the significance of the robot’s nonverbal cues in shaping human expectations. These insights offer valuable implications for designing effective human-robot interactions in dynamic environments where team success can save lives.