Cognitive Neuroscience Robotics – Part A

Overview

Cognitive Neuroscience Robotics is an interdisciplinary area for development of new information and robot technology systems based on understanding higher functions of the human brain, with the integration of cognitive science, neuroscience, and robotics. This course introduces Cognitive Neuroscience Robotics with two approaches:

the synthetic and the analytic approach.

The synthetic approach means an engineering approach to understand human cognitive functions synthetically, trying to understand human cognitive functions by replicating them as artificial systems and putting them into social environments. Specifically, it develops artificial systems such as robots based on findings in neuroscience and physiology, and investigates how they could acquire intelligent behaviors through interaction with others and the environment.

On the other hand, human cognitive activities are investigated analytically. They are supported by higher functions of the brain and have been examined by psychological experiments or brain imaging.

With the analytic approach, psychologists, cognitive scientists, and medical doctors are pursuing an understanding of the mechanism of the mind and its biological basis, with the help of engineering and philosophy. This program will help students make a basis for interdisciplinary research by providing opportunities to understand what is undertaken in other disciplines and how to collaborate and exchange ideas with people from other disciplines.

We expect many motivated students to apply.

Syllabus

• Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience Robotics
Overview of interdisciplinary approaches
Importance and applications of cognitive neuroscience robotics
• Basic Neuroscience Concepts
Brain anatomy and higher cognitive functions
Neuronal mechanisms underlying cognition
• Cognitive Science Foundations
Theories of mind and cognitive processes
Relationship between cognition and behavior
• Synthetic Approach to Cognitive Neuroscience Robotics
Principles of engineering human cognitive functions synthetically
Development of artificial systems mimicking human cognition
Social environment interaction and intelligent behavior acquisition
• Analytic Approach to Human Cognitive Activities
Psychological experiments in cognitive science
Brain imaging techniques (e.g., fMRI, EEG)
Understanding the biological basis of the mind
• Integration of Robotics with Neuroscience
Designing robots based on neurological and physiological findings
Case studies of robots using cognitive neuroscience principles
• Collaborative Interdisciplinary Research
Strategies for interdisciplinary collaboration
Case studies of successful interdisciplinary projects
• Ethical and Philosophical Considerations
Ethical implications of cognitive neuroscience and robotics
Philosophical questions arising from artificial cognitive systems
• Practical Applications and Future Directions
Current trends and innovations in cognitive neuroscience robotics
Discussion on future directions and potential research opportunities
• Conclusion and Course Recap
Recap of key concepts and approaches
Discussion on the importance of interdisciplinary research

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Taught by

Minoru Asada, Hiroshi Ishiguro, Koh Hosoda and Yukie Nagai

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Subjects

Science