The relevance of theory to human-robot teaming research and development

Abstract

In many disciplines and fields, theories help organize the body of knowledge in the field and provide direction for research. In turn, research findings contribute to theory building. The field of human-robot teaming (HRT) is a relatively new one, spanning only over the last two decades. Much of the research in this field has been driven by expediency rather than by theory, and relatively little effort has been invested in using HRT research to advance theory. As the field of HRT continues to expand rapidly, we find it increasingly necessary to relate theories to the research so that one can inform the other. As an initial effort, the current work will discuss and evaluate two broad research areas in human-robot teaming, and identify theories relevant to each area. The areas are (i) human-robot interfaces, and (ii) specific factors that enable teaming. In identifying the relevant theories for each area, we will describe how the theories were used and if findings supported the theories.