Computer systems that interact with their environment, such as self-driving vehicles, autopilot systems, and other robotic devices, may sometimes operate without people supervising or otherwise directly controlling their actions. Although not strictly independent of us, they may be said in some respects to be “autonomous,” insofar as they are sensing and interpreting the world,...

Computer systems that interact with their environment, such as self-driving vehicles, autopilot systems, and other robotic devices, may sometimes operate without people supervising or otherwise directly controlling their actions. Although not strictly independent of us, they may be said in some respects to be “autonomous,” insofar as they are sensing and interpreting the world, choosing actions, and adjusting their behavior to meet pre-defined goals through a feedback process. They are to some degree self-directed and self-sufficient. As such systems become more capable, people may assign them responsibilities and give them authority previously relegated to...

IHMC researchers are working on advancing autonomous capabilities of Robots, Software Agents and Artificial Intelligence with the aim of creating more effective machine teammates. The view of robots as teammates has grown as the field of robotics has matured. The future will belong to collaborative or cooperative systems that...

IHMC researchers are working on advancing autonomous capabilities of Robots, Software Agents and Artificial Intelligence with the aim of creating more effective machine teammates. The view of robots as teammates has grown as the field of robotics has matured. The future will belong to collaborative or cooperative systems that do not merely do things for people, “autonomously,” but that can also work together with people, enhancing human experience and productivity in everyday life. IHMC’s research on Human-Machine Teamwork involves: Understanding Teamwork Analyzing Teamwork Building Systems that Team Effectively Measuring Team performance Learning How...