When you think of humans working with robots, what comes to mind?

Futuristic images of robot assistance?

Or maybe R2D2 and C3PO from Star Wars?

In reality, robots and other autonomous systems are already around us,

in doctors' offices, in the military, in our homes, and in the cars we drive.

Now, as humans increasingly incorporate robots and other autonomous systems into our daily lives,

psychologists are studying how the science of teamwork can help us maximize the benefits

and minimize the pitfalls of working on human robot teams.

So how common are human robot teams today?

How to trust and collaboration differ when people are working with robots or other autonomous systems versus with other people?

What role are robots playing in the military, in medicine, and in other complex

high-stakes arenas? And as humans increasingly rely on robots and artificial intelligence

in our lives and workplaces, might we lose some skills that we used to have? How can

psychological research help us avoid that?

Welcome to Speaking of Psychology, the flagship podcast of the American Psychological Association that examines the links between psychological science and everyday life. I'm Kim Mills.

My guest today is Dr. Erica Rivera, a professor of engineering psychology and the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at the United States Military Academy West Point.

She studies how humans interact with robots and AI in high-risk complex environments like the military and aviation.

Her work has been funded by the Department of Defense and other government agencies, and she was

recently awarded a five-year multi-university research initiative grant to study human autonomous

teeming. She's the author of many peer-reviewed journal articles and co-editor

of the book, Living with Robots, Emerging Issues on the Psychological and Social Implications of Robotics.

Dr. Revere, thank you for joining me today. Kim, thank you for having me. I'm very excited to talk to you

...