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“Like-Me” Simulation as an Effective and Cognitively Plausible Basis for Social Robotics

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Abstract

We present a successful design approach for social robotics based on a computational cognitive architecture and mental simulation. We discuss an approach to a Theory of Mind known as a “like-me” simulation in which the agent uses its own knowledge and capabilities as a model of another agent to predict that agent’s actions. We present three examples of a “like-me” mental simulation in a social context implemented in the embodied version of the Adaptive Control of Thought-Rational (ACT-R) cognitive architecture, ACT-R/E (for ACT-R Embodied). Our examples show the efficacy of a simulation approach in modeling perspective taking (identifying another’s left or right hand), teamwork (simulating a teammate for better team performance), and dominant-submissive social behavior (primate social experiments). We conclude with a discussion of the cognitive plausibility of this approach and our conclusions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Ave. SW, Washington, DC, 20375, USA

    William G. Kennedy, Magdalena D. Bugajska, Anthony M. Harrison & J. Gregory Trafton

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  1. William G. Kennedy
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  2. Magdalena D. Bugajska
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  3. Anthony M. Harrison
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  4. J. Gregory Trafton
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Correspondence to William G. Kennedy.

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Kennedy, W.G., Bugajska, M.D., Harrison, A.M. et al. “Like-Me” Simulation as an Effective and Cognitively Plausible Basis for Social Robotics. Int J of Soc Robotics 1, 181–194 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-009-0014-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-009-0014-6

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