An autonomous satellite architecture integrating deliberative reasoning and behavioural intelligence

This paper describes a method for the design of autonomous spacecraft, based upon behavioral approaches to intelligent robotics. First, a number of previous spacecraft automation projects are reviewed. A methodology for the design of autonomous spacecraft is then presented, drawing upon both the European Space Agency technological center (ESTEC) automation and robotics methodology and the subsumption architecture for autonomous robots. A layered competency model for autonomous orbital spacecraft is proposed. A simple example of low level competencies and their interaction is presented in order to illustrate the methodology. Finally, the general principles adopted for the control hardware design of the AUSTRALIS-1 spacecraft are described. This system will provide an orbital experimental platform for spacecraft autonomy studies, supporting the exploration of different logical control models, different computational metaphors within the behavioral control framework, and different mappings from the logical control model to its physical implementation

Editorial: Statistical Relational Artificial Intelligence

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What Have Computational Models Ever Done for Us?: A Case Study in Classical Conditioning

The last 50 years have seen the progressive refinement of our understanding of the mechanisms of classical conditioning and this has resulted in the development of several influential theories that are able to explain with considerable precision a wide variety of experimental findings, and to make non-intuitive predictions that have been confirmed. This success has spurred the development of increasingly sophisticated models that encompass more complex phenomena. In such context, it is widely acknowledged that computational modeling plays a fundamental part. In this paper the authors analyze critically the role that computational models, as simulators and as psychological models by proxy, have played in this enterprise

Computational Ontologies and Information Systems II: Formal Specification

This paper extends the study of ontologies in Part I of this study (Volume 14, Article 8) in the context of Information Systems. The basic foundations of computational ontologies presented in Part I are extended to formal specifications in this paper. This paper provides a review of the formalisms, languages, and tools for specifying and implementing computational ontologies Directions for future research are also provided

Language evolution needs its own journal

Interest in the origins and evolution of language has been around for as long as language has been around. However, only recently has the empirical study of language come of age. We argue that the field has sufficiently advanced that it now needs its own journal—the Journal of Language Evolution