Embodied Evolution in Collective Robotics: A Review

This paper provides an overview of evolutionary robotics techniques applied to on-line distributed evolution for robot collectives -- namely, embodied evolution. It provides a definition of embodied evolution as well as a thorough description of the underlying concepts and mechanisms. The paper also presents a comprehensive summary of research published in the field since its inception (1999-2017), providing various perspectives to identify the major trends. In particular, we identify a shift from considering embodied evolution as a parallel search method within small robot collectives (fewer than 10 robots) to embodied evolution as an on-line distributed learning method for designing collective behaviours in swarm-like collectives. The paper concludes with a discussion of applications and open questions, providing a milestone for past and an inspiration for future research.Comment: 23 pages, 1 figure, 1 tabl

On microelectronic self-learning cognitive chip systems

After a brief review of machine learning techniques and applications, this Ph.D. thesis examines several approaches for implementing machine learning architectures and algorithms into hardware within our laboratory. From this interdisciplinary background support, we have motivations for novel approaches that we intend to follow as an objective of innovative hardware implementations of dynamically self-reconfigurable logic for enhanced self-adaptive, self-(re)organizing and eventually self-assembling machine learning systems, while developing this new particular area of research. And after reviewing some relevant background of robotic control methods followed by most recent advanced cognitive controllers, this Ph.D. thesis suggests that amongst many well-known ways of designing operational technologies, the design methodologies of those leading-edge high-tech devices such as cognitive chips that may well lead to intelligent machines exhibiting conscious phenomena should crucially be restricted to extremely well defined constraints. Roboticists also need those as specifications to help decide upfront on otherwise infinitely free hardware/software design details. In addition and most importantly, we propose these specifications as methodological guidelines tightly related to ethics and the nowadays well-identified workings of the human body and of its psyche

Intelligence Without Reason

Computers and Thought are the two categories that together define Artificial Intelligence as a discipline. It is generally accepted that work in Artificial Intelligence over the last thirty years has had a strong influence on aspects of computer architectures. In this paper we also make the converse claim; that the state of computer architecture has been a strong influence on our models of thought. The Von Neumann model of computation has lead Artificial Intelligence in particular directions. Intelligence in biological systems is completely different. Recent work in behavior-based Artificial Intelligenge has produced new models of intelligence that are much closer in spirit to biological systems. The non-Von Neumann computational models they use share many characteristics with biological computation

Enhancing Free-text Interactions in a Communication Skills Learning Environment

Learning environments frequently use gamification to enhance user interactions.Virtual characters with whom players engage in simulated conversations often employ prescripted dialogues; however, free user inputs enable deeper immersion and higher-order cognition. In our learning environment, experts developed a scripted scenario as a sequence of potential actions, and we explore possibilities for enhancing interactions by enabling users to type free inputs that are matched to the pre-scripted statements using Natural Language Processing techniques. In this paper, we introduce a clustering mechanism that provides recommendations for fine-tuning the pre-scripted answers in order to better match user inputs

Architectural management in the digital arena : proceedings of the CIB-W096 conference Vienna 2011, Vienna University of Technology, Austria, 13-14 October 2011

Leading research into architectural design management is the CIB’s working committee W096 Architectural Management. CIB-W096 was officially established in 1993, following a conference on ‘Architectural Management’ at the University of Nottingham in the UK. Since this time the commission has been active in the area, with regular international conferences, meetings, published conference proceedings and other publications. CIB-W096 brings together researchers and practitioners concerned with the whole life cycle of uilding and construction projects. Recently the members of the working group have concentrated on achieving value for stakeholders and this work led to a focus on integrated design teams and improved communications. Active working areas are; revaluing design, communicating design, inclusive design, design management, design integration, design management education and revaluing architectural practice - all with an underlying sustainable agenda. In addition to the publication of peer reviewed conference proceedings the commission has produced the book Architectural Management: international research & practice (Eds. Emmitt, Prins, Otter, 2009, Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford), which provides a state of the art report into the rapidly evolving field of architectural management. One of the most topical issues to be dealt with by CIBW096 concerns information technologies and building information modeling, the theme of this, the commission’s 24th, conference. Architectural design processes are iterative processes in which designing and decision making are interwoven. Demands, wishes and concerns of clients and stakeholders for a beautiful, well functioning and sustainable building need to be fully understood and effectively communicated within the temporary project team. The focus of architects, managers, advisors and engineers has evolved from the project to responsibilities for the entire life cycle of the building. This is set in an age of rapid advances in digital technologies and changing responsibilities. This conference explores applications of architectural management using all types of electronic media for creating, communicating and realizing design in a variety of different contexts; as well as addressing long running themes within the architectural management knowledge domain. This proceedings contain 27 peer reviewed papers within the conference topics: -Smart, lean and intelligent architectural design management; -Application of collaborative technologies, such as building information modeling (BIM); -Integrated (sustainable) design solutions and integrated working practices; -Managing roles and legal responsibilities for design in a digital age;- Global versus local challenges for architectur

Architectural management in the digital arena : proceedings of the CIB-W096 conference Vienna 2011, Vienna University of Technology, Austria, 13-14 October 2011

Leading research into architectural design management is the CIB’s working committee W096 Architectural Management. CIB-W096 was officially established in 1993, following a conference on ‘Architectural Management’ at the University of Nottingham in the UK. Since this time the commission has been active in the area, with regular international conferences, meetings, published conference proceedings and other publications. CIB-W096 brings together researchers and practitioners concerned with the whole life cycle of uilding and construction projects. Recently the members of the working group have concentrated on achieving value for stakeholders and this work led to a focus on integrated design teams and improved communications. Active working areas are; revaluing design, communicating design, inclusive design, design management, design integration, design management education and revaluing architectural practice - all with an underlying sustainable agenda. In addition to the publication of peer reviewed conference proceedings the commission has produced the book Architectural Management: international research & practice (Eds. Emmitt, Prins, Otter, 2009, Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford), which provides a state of the art report into the rapidly evolving field of architectural management. One of the most topical issues to be dealt with by CIBW096 concerns information technologies and building information modeling, the theme of this, the commission’s 24th, conference. Architectural design processes are iterative processes in which designing and decision making are interwoven. Demands, wishes and concerns of clients and stakeholders for a beautiful, well functioning and sustainable building need to be fully understood and effectively communicated within the temporary project team. The focus of architects, managers, advisors and engineers has evolved from the project to responsibilities for the entire life cycle of the building. This is set in an age of rapid advances in digital technologies and changing responsibilities. This conference explores applications of architectural management using all types of electronic media for creating, communicating and realizing design in a variety of different contexts; as well as addressing long running themes within the architectural management knowledge domain. This proceedings contain 27 peer reviewed papers within the conference topics: -Smart, lean and intelligent architectural design management; -Application of collaborative technologies, such as building information modeling (BIM); -Integrated (sustainable) design solutions and integrated working practices; -Managing roles and legal responsibilities for design in a digital age;- Global versus local challenges for architectur