D. Keating, K. Dautenhahn, P. McOwan and K. Warwick, Department of Cybernetics, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AY, England
The sensory, actuator and neural processes of a robot are seen to be best represented and implemented as an overall system. Each is dependant on the other, and by viewing them collectively the result is greater than the sum of the parts. With carbon-based lifeforms, interdependancy of the processes has resulted as an evolutionary feature.
In this paper the authors present a concept of interdependancy, indicating a distinct approach in the construction of real world ``intelligent" robots. A range of experimental material is also included to back up the discussion, based on a number of robots constructed. Details of the wheeled and legged robots are given, in which a key emphasis has been to integrate sensory, actuator and neural processes. The work is complemented by biologically based modelling techniques which can provide a theoretical foundation for the real world experiments.