Glossary · System coordination, integration and orchestration
Task allocation
German: Aufgabenzuteilung
In automation, robotics and human-machine systems, task allocation is the distribution of tasks among available resources, such as machines, robots, software agents or people, based on their capabilities, availability and the goals of the system.
- System integration
In one sentence
Task allocation distributes tasks among machines, robots, software agents or people based on capabilities, availability and system goals.
Example
In a cell with two robots and one operator, task allocation assigns heavy lifting to the robots and final visual inspection to the operator.
Explained in context
Context cards connect this term with others to answer one question. Also in British English and German.
How it applies
- Engineering: Allocation can be decided at design time (which function is automated, which is manual) or at runtime (which robot takes the next job). Design-time allocation between people and machines is a human factors decision that also affects safety.
- Runtime: Dynamic allocation uses rules, optimization or negotiation between agents. Define how tasks are reallocated when a resource fails.
- AI context: Deciding which tasks an AI system performs and where a person stays in control is also task allocation, see Human in the loop.
- Documentation: Tasks allocated to people must be described in the instructions: what the person does, when, with which qualifications and aids. Reviewing the allocation is a good way for technical writers to find missing procedures.
Task allocation vs. task assignment
Task allocation is the overall distribution scheme, often at the level of task types. Task assignment is the concrete act of giving a specific task instance to a specific resource.