This paper demonstrates the iTaSC approach to a force-sensorless and bimanual human-robot comanipulation task on a tree-structured robot, comprising (i) co-manipulation of an object with a person, (ii) dynamic and static obstacle avoidance with its base, (iii) maintaining visual contact with the operator, and (iv) unnatural pose prevention. The task is implemented in a structured way in a reusa...

The role of stochasticity and spatial heterogeneity in foraging systems is investigated. We formulate a spatially explicit model which describes the behaviour of grazing animals in response to local information using simple stochastic rules. In particular the model reflects the biology in that decisions to move to a new location are based on visual assessment of the sward height in a surroundin...

Existing maritime navigation and reconnaissance systems require man-in-the-loop situation awareness for obstacle avoidance, area survey analysis, threat assessment, and mission re-planning. We have developed a boat with fully autonomous navigation, surveillance, and reactive behaviors. Autonomous water navigation is achieved with no prior maps or other data – the water surface, riverbanks obsta...

Focusing on avoiding failure or negative outcomes (avoidance motivation) can undermine creativity, due to cognitive (e.g., threat appraisals), affective (e.g., anxiety), and volitional processes (e.g., low intrinsic motivation). This can be problematic for people who are avoidance motivated by nature and in situations in which threats or potential losses are salient. Here, we review the relatio...

The work of a simulated neuroendocrine controller with ultrastable neurons and glands is sketched and tested in terms of stability and adaptability. The artificial neurons connect to each other and to motors, while hormones produced by behaviour-related glands regulate their output. The ultrastable nature of the cells allows them to maintain their homeostasis by random reconfiguration of their ...

Consider a sequence of letters or numbers. Does a pattern exist that is avoided by the sequence? This topic is a very popular area of research in mathematics for its promising utility in computer science and other branches of mathematics, the elegant proofs and solutions, and the many open problems that still remain. Section 1 of this paper provides definitions, notations, and some properties o...

The procedure described here involves training an animal to make steady contact with a reward spout in order to receive food or water and then pairing a stimulus with mild electric shock delivered through the spout. The animal quickly learns to avoid the shock by breaking contact with the spout whenever it detects the stimulus. The breaking of contact with the spout is then used to indicate tha...