Shared Mental Models of Distributed Human-Robot Teams for Coordinated Disaster Responses

Shared Mental Models (SSM) are crucial for adequate coordination of activities and resource deployment in disaster responses. Both human and robot are actors in the construction of such models. Based on a situated Cognitive Engineering (sCE) methodology, we identified the needs, functions and evaluation paradigm for this model construction support. Via prototyping, some basic functions proved to be of value (e.g., hierarchical view on functions, processes and resources). Currently, more advanced functions are under investigation (e.g., observability display). The evaluations will provide the empirical foundation of the underlying SMM theory for human-robot teams.