Cognition, Teams, and Augmenting Team Cognition: Understanding Memory Failures in Distributed Human-Agent Teams

Abstract

Based upon the integration of constructs from organizational and cognitive science we present a theoretical framework for understanding memory function in the context of human-agent teams. To support the development of true Human Systems Integration, we use this approach to meld robust concepts in human cognition with human agent team research. Our goal is to illustrate the theoretical and practical importance of these concepts to team cognition in general and augmented cognition in particular. We discuss this through theory in human memory and memory failures and integrate approaches to illustrate their value to developing research plans for augmenting cognition.

Similarity, Complementarity, and Agency in HRI

“…As an example, shared mental models (SMMs) between human and robot teammates enable a similar perception and understanding of the world (e.g., Fiore, Jentsch, Rehfeld, & Finkelstein, 2005). Through SMMs, robot teammates would be able to adapt and function in a dynamic environment, which necessitates performing tasks complementary to human teammates and in turn, increasing team performance, as well as efficiency (e.g., Fiore, Elias, Gallagher, & Jentsch, 2008). In short, we are reaching for a more complex level of complementarity where these nascent capabilities are actually present in autonomous and mobile robotic systems.…”