Reasoning Robots: The Art and Science of Programming Robotic Agents / Edition 1

by Michael Thielscher

Overview

The creation of intelligent robots is surely one of the most exciting and ch- lenginggoals of Artificial Intelligence. A robot is, first of all, nothing but an inanimate machine with motors and sensors. In order to bring life to it, the machine needs to be programmed so as to make active use of its hardware c- ponents. This turns a machine into an autonomous robot. Since about the mid nineties of the past century, robot programming has made impressive progress. State-of-the-art robots are able to orient themselves and move around freely in indoor environments or negotiate difficult outdoor terrains, they can use stereo vision to recognize objects, and they are capable of simple object manipulation with the help of artificial extremities. At a time where robots perform these tasks more and more reliably,weare ready to pursue the next big step, which is to turn autonomous machines into reasoning robots.Areasoning robot exhibits higher cognitive capabilities like following complex and long-term strategies, making rational decisions on a high level, drawing logical conclusions from sensor information acquired over time, devising suitable plans, and reacting sensibly in unexpected situations. All of these capabilities are characteristics of human-like intelligence and ultimately distinguish truly intelligent robots from mere autonomous machines.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789048167838
Publisher:	Springer Netherlands
Publication date:	01/11/2011
Series:	Applied Logic Series , #33
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of hardcover 1st ed. 2005
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.45(h) x 0.03(d)

Table of Contents

Special Fluent Calculus.- Special FLUX.- General Fluent Calculus.- General FLUX.- Knowledge Programming.- Planning.- Nondeterminism.- Imprecision*.- Indirect Effects: Ramification Problem*.- Troubleshooting: Qualification Problem.- Robotics.

Editorial Reviews

From the reviews:

"This book presents the ‘fluent calculus’ as one possible approach to solve the frame problem in artificial intelligence. … The book is very understandable and recommendable for anybody who wants to solve AI problems by means of predicate logics and logic programming. It shows that this approach is more and more applicable to the solution of real-world problems. It will be an excellent textbook for appropriate AI or robotics courses and very appropriate for graduate students." (Christian Posthoff, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1092 (18), 2006)

From the Publisher