Neural architectures for robot intelligence.

Full Abstract

We argue that direct experimental approaches to elucidate the architecture of higher brains may benefit from insights gained from exploring the possibilities and limits of artificial control architectures for robot systems. We present some of our recent work that has been motivated by that view and that is centered around the study of various aspects of hand actions since these are intimately linked with many higher cognitive abilities. As examples, we report on the development of a modular system for the recognition of continuous hand postures based on neural nets, the use of vision and tactile sensing for guiding prehensile movements of a multifingered hand, and the recognition and use of hand gestures for robot teaching. Regarding the issue of learning, we propose to view real-world learning from the perspective of data-mining and to focus more strongly on the imitation of observed actions instead of purely reinforcement-based exploration. As a concrete example of such an effort we report on the status of an ongoing project in our laboratory in which a robot equipped with an attention system with a neurally inspired architecture is taught actions by using hand gestures in conjunction with speech commands. We point out some of the lessons learnt from this system, and discuss how systems of this kind can contribute to the study of issues at the junction between natural and artificial cognitive systems.

Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills

Author information

Author/s: Ritter, H (H); Steil, J J (JJ); Nölker, C (C); Röthling, F (F); McGuire, P (P);

Affiliation: Neuroinformatics Group, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany. helge(-atsign-)techfak.uni-bielefeld.de

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Reviews in the neurosciences (Rev Neurosci), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2003-; vol 14 (issue 1-2) : pp 121-43

Dates: Created 2003/08/21; Completed 2003/09/17; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12929923, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Action Potentials
Artificial Intelligence
Brain - physiology
Brain Mapping
Gestures
Hand - physiology

Humans
Nerve Net - physiology
Neural Networks (Computer)
Neurons - cytology; physiology
Physical Stimulation
Robotics - methods

These are the highest related articles currently in the database:

See 100+ related articles.