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  • 7/25/2019 1999Problems and Solutions in Acquisition and Interpretat Ion of Sensorial

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    Problems and Solutions in Acquisition and Interpreta t ion

    of

    Sensorial

    Data on

    a Mobile Robot

    Giovanni Agazzi Andrea Bonarini

    IDSIA

    Gorso

    Elvezia

    36,

    Lugano, Switzerland

    e-mail: [email protected]

    Dipartimento

    di

    Elettronica e Informazione

    Politecnico di Milano

    Piazza Leonard0 da Vinci

    32

    Milano, Italy

    e-mail: bonarini@elet polinni it

    Abstract

    e discuss so me guidelines to cope w ith problecms

    that ar ise when us ing cheap and s imple sensor on

    nio

    bile autonomou s robotic agents . I n part icular we

    fo-

    cus o n the perceptual al ias ing problem und o n the pas-

    s ibi l ity to per fo rm active sensor data acquis it ion. W e

    presen t a robotic architecture tha t we have implem ented

    on a real robot following the proposed guidelines. Th e

    obtained mobile robot satisfies the design specifications

    nauiyutiny avtmiomously in u unstructured e7vviron-

    m ent .

    1 Introduction

    In this paper we describe

    a

    control architecture for

    a mobile rohot that effectively integrates several ap-

    proaches to interpret sensorial data, solving some of

    the problems arising when using low-cost and simple

    sensors. Aim of thi s paper is to present some guide-

    lines useful to cope with these problems, in particu-

    lar, perceptual aliasing [13] The robotic architecture

    we present in the paper exemplifies how to implement

    these guidelines and it also provides some experimental

    support to them. It has been conceived for a mohile

    autonomous agent which operates in a real, complex

    and unstructured environment. Effective exploitat (on

    of the sensorial system is critical in thi s applicaticxi.

    Any control strategy aims at realizing a mapping De-

    main components of our architecture, showing how

    they implement the guidelines. A basic element of our

    approach is active perception. In section

    6,

    we present

    some of the main interpretations of this term thal, can

    be found in literature and their implementation in our

    architecture. In th e conclusion we d.iscuss th e impor-

    tance of a comprehensive approach

    to

    the problem of

    interpreting poor sensorial data.

    2 Perceptua l aliasing

    Perceptual aliasing is the problem t hat arises when

    either a particular state of th e world maps

    to

    several

    states in the internal representation,

    or

    a single in-

    ternal state corresponds to multiple world states

    [13].

    The first kind of problem is stronger when the agent

    can observe the world with several dlegrees

    of

    freedom,

    since this may produce a large number

    of

    represen-

    tations which describe under different viewpoint

    3

    the

    same world st ate. The second kind uf problem oIucurs

    when th e agent has limited perceptual1 capabilities with

    respect to the complexity of the environment where it

    operates. The number

    of

    world states is large and the

    information available to discriminat

    e

    among them is

    poor. The problem arises when th e control strategy

    should be different in different worId states that are

    perceived as the same internal state.

    tween the state of the agent and its actions. Thus,

    identification of the agent state is a main issue.

    In t he next section, m7e introduce the perceptual

    aliasing problem, and we discuss the typology of l,he

    underlying problems. In th e third section we present

    some general strategies which are effective to cope with

    perceptual aliasing problems. Then, we analyze ,he

    Different interpretations of the perceptual aliasing

    problem have been proposed in literature. Some of

    them focus on the problem of mapping several world

    state s to one internal state

    [ l l ]

    Other approachee con-

    cent rate on the problem of discriminating among dif-

    ferent world s tates tha t are described by the same im-

    mediate internal stat e

    171

    [9].

    0-7803-5276-9/99/$10.00 999

    IEEE

    83

    1

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    3 Guidelines

    World s tates select ion. The concept of deictic rep-

    resentation [1][6], uggests to consider only t he world

    states that are useful to complete the task, avoiding

    unnecessary complexity. A reduction in the number

    of world stat es simplifies the problem of representing

    the relationship between world states and perceptual

    states.

    Having selected

    a

    set

    of relevant world states, it is important to identify

    the only perceptual data needed to distinguish among

    them. The others may be hardly mapped t o the world

    states.

    Standardiza t ion

    of

    perception condit ions .

    By realiz-

    ing standard gaze configurations towards the observed

    objects, it, is possible to reduce th e number of percep-

    tual states. It is important to choose a significant ob-

    serving perspective, to reduce the ambiguity between

    world states that may seem similar from other points

    of view. Tight collaboration between action and per-

    ception maintains the agent in the best conditions for

    th e perception. As better described later, this is a case

    of active perception.

    Ef ic ien t chs s i f i cu t ion .

    Categorization of perceptual

    da ta has to be flexible, robust and accurate. Flexi-

    ble, because it has t o describe the several perceptual

    states corresponding to each world state. Robust, to

    recognize the similarity between mapped and percep-

    tua l stat es, while the lat ter are affected by noise. Accu-

    rate, taking into account similarity without confusing

    different world state s. Ability to recognize similarity

    must not affect the capability t o remember exceptions.

    A

    small difference in a measure pattern may be

    a

    noise

    effect or a significant exception. These two cases should

    be classified as different.

    Hierarchical perceptual eflort.

    Certain world states

    are critical for the success of th e agent. When th e

    internal state looks critical, the agent devotes an ex-

    tr a effort t o collect information t o improve recognition.

    This activity may also provide information useful for

    particular actions to be done in the critical state. The

    perceptual effort is hierarchical because time-expensive

    activities take place only when needed, while a super-

    ficial percept,ion is enough for a fast exploration of the

    environment.

    Perceptual data selection.

    4 The robotic architecture

    The aim

    of

    this architecture is to provide an au-

    tonomous agent, equipped with low-cost sensors, with

    the capability to explore an unknown environment.

    The goal of exploration is to find spatial elements that

    could be useful to accomplish a task. In the experi-

    ment we are presenting, the environment is

    a

    generic

    corridor, and relevant spatial elements are open doors,

    and tu rns. Th e task we are facing consists of passing

    through th e nth open door. Along the corridor sev-

    eral unexpected elements may be present, either sta tic

    (protrusions, automatic dispensers),

    or

    dynamic (peo-

    ple, other robots). The sh ape of the corridor is generic,

    and it may include corners. The agent explores the

    corridor following one wall. Arriving at the end of the

    corridor, th e robot is able t o manoeuver and come back

    to explore the other wall. T he agent may measure the

    distance to elements

    of

    the environment in a limited

    number of directions 12 in our exam ple), using sonar

    sensors. These sensors a.re a.ffect,edby errors a.nd inac-

    curacy.

    The description of a robot>ic rchit-ectme may start

    from different points of view

    [2].

    Here, we focus on re-

    active behaviors and deliberative strategies. In reactive

    behaviors, the world model is implicit, being intrinsi-

    cally implemented in the modality of interaction with

    th e environment. On th e contrary, deliberative control

    strategies are based on an explicit representation of the

    world, obtained from perceptual dat a by an abstraction

    process [2][4]

    We are proposing an architecture that follows some

    guidelines borrowed from the Brooks subsumption

    archte cture[4]. Our control system is partitio ned in

    modules, each implementing a functionality of the

    agent. The system may grow incrementally by adding

    new functional layers. Each module and layer can be

    tested independently from th e others. We integrate

    modules implemented following this approach, with

    spatial element classification performed by behavior

    modules implementing active perception strategies.

    We have built our architecture, by incrementally

    adding the following modules:

    e q d o r a t o r

    (low level

    navigation),

    classifier

    (spatial element recognition), in-

    teresting object inves t igator (active perception), ac-

    curate manoeuvrer (predefined movements to be ac-

    tivated), navigator (high level navigation).

    Firstly, we have implemented on the agent the re-

    active behavior to explore a reference wall, by: pro-

    ceeding

    at a

    given average distance, avoiding obsta-

    cles, and managing unexpected collisions. Th e archi-

    tecture of this module is inspired to t he one presented

    by Mataric [S. The mobile agent controlled by this

    reactive module is able to complete the explora#tion

    path in different corridors, in presence of dynamic and

    stat ic obstacles. After manoeuvring to avoid obstacles,

    th e requested average distance t o t he reference wall is

    quickly restored. Th e exploration module has only im-

    plicit knowledge about the environment.

    832

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    The classifier module has been added to the robat

    when this was already able t o explore walls. Aim of this

    module is to recognize spatial elements, interpreting

    distance measures acquired by sonar sensors. Neither

    information about past data, nor about robot move

    ments

    is

    taken into account. By this module, th e agent

    is able to detect spat ial elements th at are relevant to

    deal with its task. In the experimental case we are pre-

    senting, we have two relevant elementas:walls and doc~r

    jambs. The classifier compares the information coni-

    ing from sensors with a representation of the relevarit

    elements learnt off-line by

    a

    fuzzy neural network, an

    implement,ation of Fuzzy ARTMAP

    [5]

    discussed

    be-

    low.

    When the robot recognizes an element interesting

    for the task to be done

    -

    an open door in this case

    -

    the

    object investigator module acts to collect detailed in-

    formation about the interesting object. In other t,erui:3,

    the classifier module performs a fast (and possibly u11-

    reliable) detection of relevant elements, and the inves-

    tigator actively explores the object. The exploration

    procedure implies a synergy between action and pe.r-

    ception. Basing on a priori knowledge about the geo-

    metrical structure of the object, an exploration path is

    planned. During the course, fusion of different kinds of

    sensorial information allows to check the object geome-

    try. The a priori geometrical structure is supplemented

    with quantitative data dynamically acquired; in this

    case, door length and orientation of the exploraticm

    path. Acquired information

    is

    useful

    for

    two purposes.

    First,

    it

    is possible to check whether the explored ob-

    ject corresponds to th e one recognized by th e classifier.

    Then, an accurate motor skill can be instant,iated,

    to

    lead the agent in a given position, with respect to the

    object.

    After having collected metrical information about

    th e interesting object, t,he agent is able to plan its next

    action. Detailed da ta allow to reliably establish the

    agent position. In the particular case of our exper-

    iment, possible environmental situations are an open

    door, a convex

    90

    degrees turn, or a false categoriza-

    tion. Coping with these cases requires accurate move-

    ment procedures. During th e execution of these pro-

    cedures, we have a feedback control on th e moveme:nt

    tha t allows to accurately follow a given path. Pa ti s

    are planned by the agent using metrical information

    acquired during active perception procedure. Dynanii-

    cally acquired representative knowledge is used jointly

    wit,h a priori known geomet,rical models t,hat, describe

    the object a nd th e robot kinematics.

    Th e ability to recognize interesting spatial elemenls,

    like the open door or

    t he

    90 degrees turn, allows to

    realize a minimal navigation plan.

    It

    is possible to sie-

    lect natural landmarks tha t allow self-ljocalization. The

    description of navigation plans based on landmarks is

    robust and flexible, and matches th e att itu de of the hu-

    man designer. Moreover, the success of th e navigation

    does not depend on the accuracy of

    a

    geometrical de-

    scription but only on landmark recognition.

    A

    trivial

    example of such kind of plans may be: ,enter in th e

    nth open door detected in

    a

    corridor.

    Discussion

    Our robotic architecture deals with perceptual afias-

    ing problem in both directions. As mentioned above,

    th is architecture is composed by a set of modules. Each

    module implements a behavior. Decisions regarcling

    how to act a re taken at different levels. There are three

    main kinds of knowledge involved. Implicit knowledge

    drives reactive behaviors, while stat LCrepresentative

    knowledge is used to qualitatively deacribe spatial el-

    ement features. Active perception allows to collect a

    third kind of knowledge, that gives a precise description

    of spatia l elements. This distinction is important be-

    cause perceptua l aliasing affects thesc. kinds

    of

    knowl-

    edge in different ways.

    The

    ow

    level explor tion behavior is purely reac-

    tive. It drives the robot along walls at a given distance,

    avoiding collisions and manoeuvring to t urn around ob-

    stacles. As in many reactive approaches, data coming

    from each sensor are considered separately, without any

    sensor fusion activity since each da ta has a meaning by

    itself. This behavior takes into account the distaiices

    measured by sonar sensors and th e sta te of th e collision

    detectors (bumpers). When a bumper reports a colli-

    sion, depending on which side it belongs, there is only

    one proper action to do. The strategy is not

    so

    simple

    for th e sonar distances, but t he idea is similar. For

    each distance, depending on the direction it is taken,

    there are three ranges of values. If th e distance is over

    a

    threshold, the distance is not relevant. Under this

    threshold there are two ranges: objects detected in the

    outer range a re considered relevant those in the inner

    range are considered dangerous. This criterion maps

    all the distances to three relevant states. The move-

    ment decision considers only two states for each d irec-

    tion. This approach copes with the perceptual aliasing

    problem through a massive simplificat,ionof th e ovc?rall

    information. Only the sensors able to supply informa-

    tion useful to deal with the task are taken into account.

    Th e problem related with t he one t o many relationship

    between world states and perceptual states is strongly

    simplified. We do not consider explicitly th e opposite

    point

    of

    view, where different world st ate s generate in-

    distinguishable internal states. Here, this problem is

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    not critical, because the reactive system is able to dis-

    criminate among the states that are relevant to solve

    its task.

    The

    classafier module

    should classify sensor da ta and

    try to match the classification with its world model.

    This process has to be very fast, since the agent should

    not st op during exploration. The decision of perform-

    ing an active perception behavior in presence of an

    interesting spatial element must be taken before the

    agent passes over. As described above, a way to reduce

    perceptual aliasing is to accurately choose which sta tes

    have to be recognized, in order to complete the task.

    In our case, the agent should decide whether keeping

    on exploring the environment or performing an active

    perception behavior. Thus, it is important to distin-

    guish states where the searched spatial element may

    be present from states where the environment does not

    present any relevant feature. In our example, the aim

    of th e exploration is to find an open door. A relevant

    spatial element is the door jamb. It is possible to limit

    the set of th e inte rnal model classes to a couple of sit-

    uations: th e agent is beside a wall and the agent is

    mar a door jamb. This simplifies the world mapping

    problem .

    In an unstructured environment, data concerning

    the relevant environmental elements are usually mixed

    with uninteresting and disturbing dat a. Moreover,

    when performing an exploration task, relevant elements

    can be found in any direction. Therefore, it is interest-

    ing to have a way t o detect t he presence of th e searched

    element,independently from its position and the com-

    bination with other elements. Therefore, instead of

    considering the entire perceptual state, it is possible to

    focus the attention only on subpa rts

    of

    it, in order

    to

    find signs

    of

    the presence of th e searched element. This

    strategy reduces the complexity of the categorization

    task. Considering only selected portions of the per-

    ceptual space, th e number and complexity of possible

    perceptual st ates decreases. This simplifies th e prob-

    lem

    of mapping th e relationship between an interesting

    world sta te and all th e corresponding perceptual states.

    The agent we have devised to test this architecture,

    can measure distances using sonar sensors mounted

    on a rotat ing turret . It is possible to collect

    12

    dis-

    tances on t he whole

    360

    degrees horizon, in

    a

    reason-

    able amount of time. Instead of considering the entire

    set, the categorization module extracts

    12

    windows,

    each one composed by

    4

    measures from close sensors.

    Each window represents a

    120

    degrees slice of the hori-

    zon, gazing to

    a

    different direction. The analysis

    of

    this da ta window allows to recognize th e basic elements

    we are interseted in. Classification is made on all the

    windows, scanning the horizon to search for a relevant

    spatial element, independently of the relative position

    with respect to the agent and the presence of other el-

    ements. The key point of this type of approach is the

    reliability of th e classification procedure.

    Selection of the relevant world states and focaliza-

    tion of the perceptual attention reduce the complex-

    ity

    of

    th e classification problem. However, th e prob-

    lem

    of

    classifying perceptual windows is not trivial.

    Data

    noise draslically iricreases

    the

    range or

    percep-

    tual states that the agent can observe in a given world

    state . A fast classifier is needed, able to map a large

    number of perceptual states t o the logical states th at

    are useful to perform the task. In our architecture, we

    have implemented Fuzzy ARTMAP, a neuro-fuzzy net-

    work. During a supervised training phase, this network

    learns an effective representation of the many-to-one

    mapping from the world state space

    to

    the perceptual

    object space. This network is also able to perform ap-

    proximate matches, thus coping with noisy measures

    and the diversity of spatial elements in the real world.

    The need for a supervised training phase is a limit,

    since it requires a skilled supervisor and off-line train-

    ing, but it is also an element of flexibility, giving the

    possibility

    to

    LraiIi the network

    to

    adapt

    the

    agent to

    different environments. Another remarkable feature of

    Fuzzy ARTMAP is its accuracy.

    It

    is able to take into

    account similarity between patterns, without discard-

    ing exceptions. A small difference in a measure patte rn

    may be either a noise effect

    or a

    significant exception.

    The last, important module, from th e point of view

    of perceptua l aliasing, implements the hierarchical per-

    ceptual act iv i ty . A deeper examination of t he environ-

    ment is realized by active perception that gives the

    possibility t o recognize reliably the real state . This

    methodology effectively copes with the problem related

    to ambiguity of real states, and it does not affect agent

    performance during exploration. In fact , active percep-

    tion takes place only when the classifier recognizes a n

    interesting element. Data collected by the active per-

    ception procedure may be useful to plan future actions.

    To better explain the several implications connected to

    active perception, we dedicate the next section to this

    argument.

    6 Active perception

    The term "active perception" has different meanings

    in literature. We consider two of them. The first has t o

    do with focusing the sensorial system while observing

    the environment. The second is implemented by the

    active exploration

    of

    the target, aimed to obtain an ef-

    fective recognition and t o collect detailed data. Active

    exploration enhances stat e identification th rough cate-

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    gorization of motor/sensor data. The collected, quam

    tita.tive information is used t o plan subsequent action:;

    concerning the explored object.

    In this case the active part of percep-

    tion consists in positioning the agents sensors toward:$

    the target [3]

    [ll].

    Appropriate positioning makes eas-

    ier the interpreta tion of the perceptual sta te. Look-

    ing to an object from a fixed point of view reduces

    the variety of sensorial sta tes corresponding to each

    world state. Standardization of perceptual gaze is use-

    ful also when categorization is based on knowledge ac-

    quired by a learning process. It increases the prob-

    ability that learned sensorial states be similar to tht:

    stat.es observed lat,er. Another benefit. relat,ed to thi:;

    kind of active perception is the possibility to select

    t

    standard data acquisition procedure (e.g., a particu-

    lar point

    of

    view), focusing on the target features that

    make it different from

    a

    similar object. This kind of ac-

    tive perception allows to simplify the perceptua l alias-

    ing problem in both its aspects. In the example of our

    mobile robot, this strategy takes place during explo-

    ration . The exploration behavior has the additiona.1

    task of maintaining th e agent parallel to the wall at

    predefined distance. This allows to obtain by the sonar

    sensors homogeneous patterns of measurements. After

    manoeuvring to avoid obstacles or to follow corridor

    shape , the agent restores the deisired alignment a s soon

    as

    possible. A sub-module is dedicated to achieve and

    maintain th e correct alignment. The low level explo-

    ration module tells the sub-module when the situatio:i

    is correct, and no strong steering correction is needed..

    Then, the sub-module starts a strategy that allows tt3

    obtain an accurate alignment by considering data corn-

    ing from the two sonars directed towards the wall. T he

    probability to obtain a valid measure is enhanced b,y

    using two different incidence angles, each of 15 degrees

    on each side of the robot axis. Taking into account the

    smaller of these two da ta , it is possible to reliably know

    the distance from the wall (see figure 1 . Comparing

    step by st ep th e distance values, it is possible t o irL,-

    plement a feedback on the steering action. While the

    exploration behavior is designed to cope with majar

    turns to avoid obstacles, the sub-module makes small

    corrections.

    Active exploration of the target.

    The first aim

    of

    the

    active exploration module is to verify the identity of

    the object that has been classified during exploration.

    Many approaches can be found in literatu re t o cope

    with the state identification problem.

    A

    common fest-

    ture is the use of history information t o uncover hidden

    states . The world model is not defined on the immedi-

    ate percepts, but by a combination of the current per-

    cepts with

    a

    short-term memory of past percepts and

    Focusing.

    actions. Many examples of this kind of technique are

    presented in papers regarding Reinforcement Learning

    [7] [9]. In fact, aim of Reinforcement Liearning applied

    to this field is to build a good mapping between states

    and actions. Thus, a reliable identification of the stiite

    is needed. Definition of in terna l states representing in-

    formation about past percepts and actions may be seen

    as a way to reduce the ambiguity of the identificat.ion

    of

    the current sta te. Start ing from a different point

    of

    view, we have designed a procedure for stmateden-

    tification. This strategy takes place only in situations

    tha t are important to achieve the agents goal. Dur-

    ing these sil.uat ans the active perception requires an

    additional perceptual effort that slows down the agent

    performance, bu t allows to collect more acc urate infor-

    mation about) the world state . Data are collected by a

    procedure that makes the agent to actively explore the

    target. A priori knowledge about target shape is used

    t o plan movements that enable the robot t o explore

    it. The tight, collaboration between sensor and motor

    systems makes it possible to acquire a iso quan titativ e,

    metric information.

    In the case of our mobile robot, the exploration

    movement is driven by the analysis of data coming from

    sonar and odometric sensors. When t he classifier msd-

    ule detects that a door jam b is present, the robot stops.

    It stops approximately near the jamb and parallel t o

    the door threshold. The turret tha t carries sonar sen-

    sors rotates to a position from which it is possible to

    measure distances orthogonally to th e robot axis. J.he

    agent starts to move forward. An accurate feedback is

    applied to the steering control, using odometric inIor-

    mation, in order to obtain a straight line path.

    The

    sonar sensor that is hortogonal to the motion trajec-

    tory collects a large number of data. Keeping the tur-

    ret still, it is possible to increase the frequency of da ta

    acquisi tion. Th e large number of son.ar da ta plot an

    accurate profile of the explored object,. In the case of

    an open door, the procedure verifies if distances are

    compatible with the presence of such kind of spatial el-

    ement. When th e exploration path leads the agent near

    the second jamb, distances acquired by sonar suddenly

    change. The whole set of da ta describe the door ge-

    ometry, the position of the robot and its orientat,ion

    towards the door. Odometric data give the distance

    covered between the two jambs. Somar data give the

    distance from each jamb and the straight line path.

    Taking into account t,he geometrical model

    of

    the sonar

    sensor, we have a complete description of the situation.

    Thus, it is possible to classify the door by its breadth.

    If the exploring path proceeds over a fixed maximhum

    length, the agent is probably beside a convex 90 de-

    grees turn of the corridor, and can thus distinguish it

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    0 100

    z

    300 600 500

    Figure 1 Experimental data: path followed

    by the robot and sonar images

    on

    the wall a-

    b wall exploration, b-c active perception, c-d

    pass through manoeuvre)

    from

    a

    door.

    In Figure

    1

    you may see the actual data taken from

    our robot executing a movement that fits morphologic

    properties of the examined object . The movement al-

    lows to acquire quantitative data . These data cover

    several aspect,s, integrating different approaches that

    is possible to find in litera ture. In fact, categorization

    of t he world state takes into account motor/sensorial

    data

    [12][11].

    The

    ih

    priori geometric model is used to

    plan an exploration path which supplements the model

    with quantitative data [2].

    Information acquired dur-

    ing this process is necessary to do successive actions

    involving the explored object

    [ lo]

    7

    Conclusions

    The robotic architecture we have presented shows

    how it is possible to build an organic approach to

    problcms rclatcd to acquiring and intcrprcting scnso-

    rial data . Considering an autonomous agent in

    a

    real

    environment is a significant example, because it fits

    to an integrate solution like the one we are proposing.

    Considering a mobile robot is important to underline

    the role played by active perception. This strategy

    arises from the idea of se tting a tight collaboration be-

    tween sensor and motor systems: agent knowledge may

    be increased involving motor capabilities, while

    a

    bet-

    ter knowledge

    of

    the world allows to enhance action

    prospects.

    The architecture we propose is open to several in-

    teresting developments. I t would be interesting to give

    the classifier the possibility t o autonomously recognize

    the categories, depending on sonar state diversifica-

    tion. For example it is possible to generate such kind

    of

    categories using Fuzzy ART, a sub-module of the

    fuzzy

    logic neural

    network we

    have

    implemented.

    Ail

    tonomously recognized categories may

    be

    meaningful

    for the autonomous agents tasks. We plan to include

    other landmark elements to increase the agent possi-

    bilities. According to th e features of the new elements,

    other perception strategies may be designed. A large

    set of landmark types can be exploited to provide (and

    learn) rich topological maps, making it possible to in-

    teract with the agent close to th e human designers at-

    titude.

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