Coast to Coast Seminar Series: "World-Mediated Robot Intelligence"

Abstract

Unlike disembodied AI programs, robots are embedded in the same physical world as humans and other animals. Like animals, they must act appropriately - we say "with intelligence" - to achieve their goals. The real world presents problems of uncertainty and the danger of running out of energy. Yet the world presents resources that can help the robot, such as other agents. This talk discusses robot systems that sense and exploit regularities in the behaviour of other robots and animals to obtain energy and work. The recharging problem is fundamental and under-explored, yet solved in some way by all intelligent creatures. It can serve as a useful focus for AI and Artificial Life research, and is the central purpose of my Autonomy Laboratory.