Workshop: Autonomous Behaviour in Animals and Robots

[Phil Husbands]

                               ONE DAY WORKSHOP
                      UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX, BRIGHTON, UK

                  Autonomous Behaviour in Animals and Robots:
               Perspectives from Neuroscience, AI and Philosophy


To mark the recent opening of the Sussex Centre for Computational Neuroscience
and Robotics, we are holding a one day workshop on 24 January 1997.

The aims of this workshop are:

   to foster interdisciplinary discussion and  debate on key issues  relating
    to biological and artificial behaviour generating mechanisms;

   to highlight  the  value  and  potential  of  collaborations  at  the  new
    interface between biology, computer science and engineering;

   to  consider  the  philosophical  issues   arising  from  the  notion   of
    "autonomy", especially in artificial systems;

   to consider emerging industrial and commercial applications for which this
    interface is likely to be an essential enabling factor;

   to  discuss  how  a  UK  community  interested  in  these  issues  may  be
    established and whether new mechanisms and initiatives from funding bodies
    may be appropriate;

   to consider how this  field in the  UK can be promoted  to ensure that  we
    remain in the forefront worldwide.

The workshop  is  divided into  three  sections (Setting  the  Stage;  Vision,
Behaviour and  Robots; Complexity).  Each  session will  be divided  into  two
parts: a series of ten minute presentations in which speakers raise key issues
and pose open questions,  followed by a  panel discussion. Contributions  from
members of the audience will also be encouraged.

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                       One-Day Workshop 24 January 1997
                      University of Sussex, Brighton, UK

                  Autonomous Behaviour in Animals and Robots:
          Perspectives from Neuroscience, Engineering and Philosophy

P R O G R A M M E

10.00-10.30 Reception; Coffee
10.30-10.45 Welcome and Introduction
        Phil Husbands and Michael O'Shea

SESSION A   SETTING THE STAGE  CHAIR: MICHAEL O'SHEA

        10.45-10.55 Understanding the Nervous System
                Danny Osorio
        10.55-11.05 Artificial Autonomous Agents
                Dave Cliff
        11.05-11.15 Philosophical Perspectives
                Mike Wheeler
        11.15-12.30 Discussion of Issues Arising
                Chair: Maggie Boden with Panel of Discussants (David
        McFarland; Brendan McGonnigle; Geoffrey Miller; Steven Rose; Aaron
        Sloman)

12.30-2.00  Lunch

SESSION B   VISION, BEHAVIOUR AND ROBOTS  CHAIR: PHIL HUSBANDS

        2.00-2.10   What is Natural Vision For?
                Mike Land
        2.10-2.20   Animal Navigation
                Tom Collett
        2.20-2.30   Robotic Navigation
                Barbara Webb
        2.30-2.40   Models or Processes for Vision?
                Dave Hogg
        2.40-2.50   Cognitive Robots?
                Andy Clark
        2.50-4.00   Discussion of Issues Arising
                Chair:  Tim  Smithers   with  Panel   of  Discussants   (Colin
        Blakemore; John Hallam; Claire Rind, Julie Rutkowsja; M Srinivasan)

4.00-4.20   Coffee Break

SESSION C   COMPLEXITY   CHAIR: BRIAN GOODWIN

        4.20-4.30   Complexity of the "Simple" Nervous System
                Paul Benjamin
        4.30-4.40   Can Biological Inspired Engineering Cross the "Complexity Gap"
                Adrian Thompson
        4.40-4.50   Evolution and Modularity in Complex Systems
                John Maynard Smith
        4.50-6.00   Discussion of Issues Arising
                Chair:  Chris  Winter  with  Panel  of  Discussants   (Malcolm
        Burrows; Ron Chrisley;  Jeffrey Dean;  Brian Goodwin;  Misha Mahowald;
        Edmund Rolls)

SESSION D   WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?  CHAIR: PHIL HUSBANDS and MICHAEL O'SHEA

        6.00-6.30   Input and comment from BBSRC/EPSRC

SESSION E   CASH BAR and light refreshments

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                       R E G I S T R A T I O N   F O R M

                       One-Day Workshop 24 January 1997
                      University of Sussex, Brighton, UK

                  Autonomous Behaviour in Animals and Robots:
               Perspectives from Neuroscience, AI and Philosophy


The Registration fee of 15 for  postgraduate students and 35 for others  (to
be paid by cheque) will include light refreshments and lunch.

NB. NB. NB.
Attendance is limited to 150 delegates, and registration will occur subject to
availability. Forms and  accompanying cheques submitted  after all places  are
filled will be returned immediately.



Name                                            


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Postgraduate student/Other
Please delete as applicable

Registration fee enclosed
(please make cheque payable to CCNR, University of Sussex)


Please return to Annie  Bacon, CCNR Workshop,  School of Biological  Sciences,
University of Sussex, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9QG.

Details of workshop location etc will be forwarded on receipt of conference
fee.
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