A regularization process to implement self-organizing neuronal networks

Kohonen Self-Organizing maps are interesting computational structures because of their original properties, including adaptive topology and competition, their biological plausibility and their successful applications to a variety of real-world applications. In this paper, this neuronal model is presented, together with its possible implementation with a variational approach. We then explain why, beyond the interest for understanding the visual cortex, this approach is also interesting for making easier and more efficient the choice of this neuronal technique for real-world applications

Action selection for single- and multi-robot tasks using Cooperative Extended Kohonen Maps

IJCAI International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence1505-150

Continuous-spaced action selection for single- and multi-robot tasks using cooperative extended Kohonen maps

Conference Proceeding - IEEE International Conference on Networking, Sensing and Control1198-20

The design and implementation of a multi-agent architecture to increase coordination efficiency in multi-AUV operations

This research addresses the problem of coordinating multiple autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) operations. An intelligent mission executive has been created that uses multi-agent technology to control and coordinate multiple AUVs in communication deficient environments. By incorporating real time vehicle prediction, blackboardbased hierarchical mission plans and mission optimisation in conjunction with a simple broadcast communication system this system aims to handle the limitations inherent in underwater operations and intelligently control multiple vehicles. In this research efficiency is evaluated and then compared to the current state of the art in multiple AUV control. The research is then validated in real AUV coordination trials. Results will show that compared to the state of the art the control system developed and implemented in this research coordinates multiple vehicles more efficiently and is able to function in a range of poor communication environments. These findings are supported by in water validation trials with heterogeneous AUVs. This thesis will first present an in depth state of the art of the related research topics including multi-agent systems, collaborative robotics and autonomous underwater vehicles. The development and functionality of this research will then be explained followed by a detailed description of the experiments. Results are then presented both for the simulated and real world trials followed by a discussion of the findings