CS 5973: Neuro/Cognitive Robotics (Fall 2005)
Designing control systems for robots performing a wide range of tasks
in human environments is a non-trivial process, due in part to the
complexities of constructing flexible and extensible representations
of the environment, motor action, and task. However, many of these
representational and computational problems have already been solved
in human and non-human primates. In this course, we will examine a
range of computational theories of representation, learning, and
control from the neuro- and cognitive science domains and explore 1)
the application of these theories in the design of robot control
systems, and 2) the use of robotic implementations in testing these
theories.
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Topics will include:
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The representation and learning of sequential motor skill (with
particular focus on visual attention, reaching, grasping, and
manipulation)
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Action-oriented visual processing: the "how" and "what"
visual pathways and their relationship to "affordances"
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The use of affordances in the perception of the actions made by
other agents
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Symbol grounding and proto-language learning through perception and
through interaction with the environment
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The direct interface between brain and robot
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Agent-agent interaction in learning and collaboration
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This course will be taught in a seminar style. Readings will be drawn from
the current literature in robotics, neuroscience, and cognitive
psychology. Students will be responsible for leading several class
discussions and for performing a project on a topic of the student's
choosing.
Meeting Details
Meeting times: Tuesday/Thursday 3:00-4:15
Location (tentative): Carson 438
Requirements
Because this is an interdisciplinary topic, I am anticipating a range
of different backgrounds. However, having a background in at least
one of the related areas (computer science or engineering, cognitive
psychology, or neuroscience) is important. In addition, having some
training in probability and statistics will be helpful for all.
This course will be taught at the graduate level; I will consider also
allowing advanced undergraduate students to participate, but on a
case-by-case basis.
Critical Resources
fagg [[at]] ou.edu
Last modified: Sun Sep 11 21:34:33 2005