Bugs

All computer programs of significant size have bugs in them. (As do the libraries, compilers, and hardware* they make use of.) I have spent much of the year so far trying to address some issues I ran into while assembling a large (A.s.a. H.) hierarchical case base from pieces learned by different robotic agents, both real and simulated, run at different times, in multiple environments, performing a variety of tasks.

Too many platforms, too many operating systems, too many languages, too many compilers....

* For example, with one of my Raspberry Pis the micro SD card must be plugged in just right. I've also commented previously on issues with LEGO plugs and the like.

A.s.a. multitasking

We all know that multitasking while driving is a bad idea but most humans feel free to chat with companions while driving. Similarly, a portion of A.s.a. H.'s hierarchical network can be directing a robot to a recharging station* while another portion of the network may be extrapolating, interpolating, planning, etc. on some completely unrelated problems.

* Or transporting a solar array to a sunny location.

More redesign

I am redesigning A.s.a.'s robots trying to address the problem noted in my 13 Dec. 2017 blog. I want to put as many of the pain sensors (and lead wires) as I can inside the robot bodies. I may try to make greater use of my 3 Raspberry Pis while I’m at it.

The human brain has no pain receptors in it. A.s.a., however, can carry thermistors* and accelerometers inside its computer brain.

* Raspberry Pis, for instance, might experience overheating issues.

Wall confined plasmas

Classical theory greatly overestimates the confinement of beta > 1 plasmas. Intense particle and heat loss in actual experiments has made it difficult to reach (Tn)/(B*B) =1 in order to even study the wall confinement regime.

Robot controller

Many of my robots have been tethered to computers and/or power supplies. This constrains their operation somewhat. Because of its low cost (80 U.S. $) and large number of ports (39) I have bought an EZ-Robot EZ-B V4/2 WiFi robot controller to try out.* Due to limited funds (equipment) and lab work space I typically have to disassemble a robot or two  before I can build a different one.** The New Years break may give me the time that I need to do that.

* We may still need a tether to a power source for some experiments.
** My blog of 9 Nov. 2018 addresses this issue when only the processor needs to be changed out. Modular robot designs can also help.

An argument for alternative logics

Logic is about the formalization of sound reasoning. Since there are different ways of reasoning* there are different logics.

* Those few who might dispute this would argue for a single deductive reasoning. But that would require starting from a set of absolute and eternal truths and these are not available to us.

Medical AI use

Ulloa, et al, report (arXiv:1811.10553, 27 Nov. 2018) that a deep neural network can predict patient 1-year survival from echocardiograms significantly more accurately than trained human cardiologists.

The development of AI in general might take the form of creating specialist AIs like this and adding them to a growing society of agents.* Some of my work with A.s.a. H. has been along these lines. This is the pattern by which machines have taken over other tasks from humans and draft animals, etc. (i.e. automation)**

* Kiva logistics (warehouse) robots would also be an example.

** And see my blog of 20 Sept. 2018.