"Like-Me" Simulation as an Effective and Cognitively Plausible Basis for Social Robotics

Abstract

We present a successful design approach for social robotics based on a computational cognitive architecture and mental simulation. We discuss an approach to a Theory of Mind known as a "like-me" simulation in which the agent uses its own knowledge and capabilities as a model of another agent to predict that agent's actions. We present three examples of a "like-me" mental simulation in a social context implemented in the embodied version of the Adaptive Control of Thought-Rational (ACT-R) cognitive architecture, ACT-R/E (for ACT-R Embodied). Our examples show the efficacy of a simulation approach in modeling perspective taking (identifying another's left or right hand), teamwork (simulating a teammate for better team performance), and dominant-submissive social behavior (primate social experiments). We conclude with a discussion of the cognitive plausibility of this approach and our conclusions.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 24, 2009
Accession Number
ADA501207

Entities

People

  • Anthony M. Harrison
  • J. Gregory Trafton
  • Magdalena D. Bugajska
  • William G. Kennedy

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Science
  • Electronic Mail
  • Human Behavior
  • Intelligent Agents
  • Military Research
  • Motor Skills
  • Neurons
  • Perception
  • Psychological Theory
  • Psychology
  • Reasoning
  • Robotics
  • Simulations
  • Teamwork

Readers

  • Agent-Based Social Robotics and Mobile-Assisted Learning in Virtual Environments.
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - Human-Robot Interaction