A study of off-line uses of anticipation

Abstract

In a simulated guards-and-thieves scenario we study how the behavioral system of an autonomous agent, which consists of multiple perceptual and motor schemas endowed with anticipatory mechanisms, self-organizes for satisfying its drives. Furthermore, we study how schemas acquired for navigation can be re-used off-line, 'in simulation', for forecasting future dangers, and planning trajectories leading to goal locations. We argue that off-line simulations permit not only to coordinate with the present, but with the future, too, and to act goal-directed. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.