Connectionists: Workshop on large-scale brain models for embodied language on robots/iCub using SpiNNaker

[Thomas Wennekers]

"BABEL -- Bioinspired Architectures for Brain Embodied Language"

Workshop on large-scale brain models for embodied language on robots/iCub using SpiNNaker

University of Manchester, Friday, 7th October 2016


AIM

BABEL, short for "Bioinspired Architecture for Brain Embodied Language", is a research project jointly funded by
the EPSRC and BBSRC. It aims at brain models for language that use SpiNNaker hardware on the iCub robot. The
project abstract is included further below for detailed information.

This open one day workshop concludes the BABEL project. It presents project results in the areas of robotics,
spiking neuron hardware, the neurophysiology of language, and computational modeling. International experts in
the fields of embodied cognition and robotics complement the list of speakers.


SPEAKERS
  Lawrence Barsalou        (University of Glasgow, UK)
  Chiara Bartolozzi        (Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, IT)
  Angelo Cangelosi         (University of Plymouth, UK)
  Steve Furber             (University of Manchester, UK)
  Marc Oliver Gewaltig     (EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland)
  Giorgio Metta            (Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, **)
  Friedemann Pulvermuller  (Freie Universitaet Berlin, Germany)
  Paul Verschure           (Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain)
  Thomas Wennekers         (University of Plymouth, UK)

(**) unconfirmed


FEES
  Participation in the Workshop is free.
  A small fee for catering will be charged (Lunch, Tee&Coffee).


IMPORTANT DATES
  Application Deadline      7 September 2016
  Workshop                  7 October 2016


APPLICATION
  To apply and for further information, please send email to  twennekers at plymouth.ac.uk
  Spaces are limited and distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis.


BABEL abstract

Recent advances in behavioural and computational neuroscience, in cognitive robotics, and in the hardware
implementation of large-scale neural networks, provide the opportunity for an accelerated understanding of brain
functions and for the design of interactive robotic systems based on brain-inspired control systems. This is
especially the case in the domain of action and language learning, given the significant scientific and
technological developments in this field.

This project aims at advancing the understanding of neural and behavioural mechanisms in word learning, the
validation of these principles in neuroanatomically grounded models, and real-time implementations of brain
language models within the SpiNNaker neuromorphic architecture that will support comparisons with neuroimaging
experiments. The scientific hypotheses and cortical language model will also be validated by implementing a
model of embodied active language learning on the humanoid robot iCub. Specifically, in the project we will
develop, based on neuroscientific principles, a theory of language learning at the neural circuit level and
build a neurocomputational model of the language cortex that implements the learning of words used to speak
about objects and actions in large-scale neuronal circuits. This theoretical work will be supported by novel,
hypothesis-driven brain imaging investigations using MEG, EEG and fMRI to identify the neural correlates and
mechanisms of the learning of words for objects and actions. Imaging results will inform the improvement of the
large-scale neuroanatomical models. These models will be implemented on the SpiNNaker software and hardware
infrastructure, to implement a scaled-up real-time model of the language cortex using more realistic spiking
activity. Finally, the project will translationally apply these neuro-anatomical models and SpiNNaker system as
controllers for language and action learning simulations with the humanoid robot iCub, within the embodied and
active learning context where the semantics of the language is directly driven by the context of object
manipulation tasks.

This is a highly interdisciplinary project that integrates essential expertise and methodologies from
neuromorphic engineering, computational and experimental neuroscience, and cognitive robotics. The project is
based around the unique and strategic partnership of applicants with an international track record in these
areas of expertise and with previous collaborative experience. Furthermore, the project will benefit from an
International Advisory Board, with both academic and industrial advisors, to foster the international dimension
and impact of the project.


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The BABEL project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Biotechnology and
Biological Sciences Research Council of the United Kingdom.
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