ACT Theory

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the possibility of developing a robotic nanny whose cognitive processes and behaviors are based on the sound and provable theories of J. R. Anderson. The paper analyzes Anderson's ACT theory of cognition, which has been used to model and teach aviation science and math, and cognitive science. ACT also has real-world practical applications such as the creation of a fully-functional robot nanny. The paper shows why parents can trust "Harriet", who operates in accordance with ACT principles of cognition, to help them take care of a young child of three years of age. The paper details how the robot's ACT system deals with crises, with rational and objective criteria based on perceptions and pattern recognitions. The paper concludes that although the robot doesn't always make the right decisions, she learns over time to act in accordance with her main goal: taking care of the baby.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background Information on ACT
Harriet in Action
1. Baby is Hungry
2. Diaper Change
3. Cleaning Up
4. Baby Cries but neither Hunger nor Soiled Diapers are the Cause
5. Playtime
Wrenches in the Robot's Brain: The ACT Response to the Unexpected
Problem: Bob Swallows Some Dish Soap when his Mother is at the Store

From the Paper:

"The duties of a nanny include feeding, bathing, changing diapers, reading stories, interactive playing, holding and carrying, and putting to sleep. I will describe a few of these to illustrate how ACT works to make Harriet an ideal robotic nanny. Harriet is "always on," and receives input from the environment in terms of visual, audio, and tactile information. The baby in each of these situations will be called Bob. Bob is three years old. He can talk and vocalizes his needs as best he can. Harriet has been a nanny for Bob for a few months, so her Declarative Memory and her Production Memory contain some information that will guide her decisions in the following everyday situations."

More papers on ACT Theory:

• Comparison Essay # 101130 : "The Speech Act Theory"
• Persuasive Essay # 105822 : "Nursing Theory"
• Research Paper # 96556 : "Systems Theory"

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