Invoking Principles of Groupware to Develop and Evaluate Present and Future Human-Agent Teams

Abstract

Advances in artificial intelligence are constantly increasing its validity as a team member enabling it to effectively work alongside humans and other artificial teammates. Unfortunately, the digital nature of artificial teammates and their restrictive communication and coordination requirements complicate the interaction patterns that exist. In light of this challenge, we create a theoretical framework that details the possible interactions in human-agent teams, emphasizing interactions through groupware, which is based on literature regarding groupware and human-agent teamwork. As artificial intelligence changes and advances, the interaction in human-agent teams will also advance, meaning interaction frameworks and groupware must adapt to these changes. We provide examples and a discussion of the framework's ability to adapt based on advancements in relevant research areas like natural language processing and artificial general intelligence. The results are a framework that details human-agent interaction throughout the coming years, which can be used to guide groupware development.