Publication

Ago Ergo Sum

Dario Floreano
2002
Book Chapters

Abstract

In this paper I explore the hypothesis that some of today's robots might possess a form of consciousness whose substrate is a mere algorithm. First, consciousness is defined within an evolutionary framework as awareness of one's own state in relation to the external environment. Then, the basic prerequisites for such conscious activity are discussed, namely embodiment, autonomy, and adaptation mechanisms. Artificial evolution, rather than evolutionary optimisation, is presented as a viable methodology to create conscious robots, accompanied by some examples of behaviours of artificially evolved robots. Finally, I argue that what might be problematic with the concept of robot consciousness is not the robot, but the notion of consciousness itself.

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/bc6789f7-b87f-4776-8aa4-3b4dc7ef862f

About this result

This page is automatically generated and may contain information that is not correct, complete, up-to-date, or relevant to your search query. The same applies to every other page on this website. Please make sure to verify the information with EPFL's official sources.

Graph Chat

Chat with Graph Search

Ask any question about EPFL courses, lectures, exercises, research, news, etc. or try the example questions below.

DISCLAIMER: The Graph Chatbot is not programmed to provide explicit or categorical answers to your questions. Rather, it transforms your questions into API requests that are distributed across the various IT services officially administered by EPFL. Its purpose is solely to collect and recommend relevant references to content that you can explore to help you answer your questions.

Dario Floreano
2002
Book Chapters

Abstract

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/bc6789f7-b87f-4776-8aa4-3b4dc7ef862f

About this result

Related concepts (32)

Robot

A robot is a machine—especially one programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. A robot can be guided by an external control device, or the control may be embedded within. Robots may be constructed to evoke human form, but most robots are task-performing machines, designed with an emphasis on stark functionality, rather than expressive aesthetics.

Consciousness

Consciousness, at its simplest, is awareness of internal and external existence. However, its nature has led to millennia of analyses, explanations and debates by philosophers, theologians, linguists, and scientists. Opinions differ about what exactly needs to be studied or even considered consciousness. In some explanations, it is synonymous with the mind, and at other times, an aspect of mind. In the past, it was one's "inner life", the world of introspection, of private thought, imagination and volition.

Artificial consciousness

Artificial consciousness (AC), also known as machine consciousness (MC), synthetic consciousness or digital consciousness, is the consciousness hypothesized to be possible in artificial intelligence. It is also the corresponding field of study, which draws insights from philosophy of mind, philosophy of artificial intelligence, cognitive science and neuroscience. The same terminology can be used with the term "sentience" instead of "consciousness" when specifically designating phenomenal consciousness (the ability to feel qualia).

Related publications (26)

Ago Ergo Sum

Chat with Graph Search

Demonstrate once, execute on many: Kinematic intelligence for cross-robot skill transfer

Benchmarking and Experimental Validation of a Real-Time Multi-Robot Hybrid Coverage Algorithm for Known Environments

Game-Theoretic Decision Making in Multi-Agent Systems under Constraints and Welfare Objectives