Dr. David McFarland
The point of view of a zoologist
Abstract:
The point of view of a zoologist is that agents obey the principle of
optimal design, which simply asserts that a system (whether animate or
inanimate) that is capable of modification is successive versions will
tend to evolve toward an optimal configuration with respect to the
selective pressures (or market forces) acting on the successive versions.
It follows from this principle that certain design features must be
common to all successful robots.
I will argue that, in real robots, as opposed to laboratory toys, the
principle design features must relate to the availability and
accessibility of the resources that are essential to the robot's
viability. This principle will influence the design of sensors, of motor
apparatus, and of the decision making mechanisms.
Dr.David McFarland,
Department of Zoology,
University of Oxford