A rationale and vision for machine consciousness in complex controllers
Ricardo Sanz, Ignacio López Paniagua, Julita Bermejo–Alonso · 2007
The science and technology of computer-based control is facing an enormous challenge when increased levels of autonomy and resilience are required from the machines that are supporting our ambient. We can say, without any doubt, that control systems complexity is boosting. In some sense, software intensive controllers are becoming too complex to be built by traditional software engineering methods, this complexity appearing as an increase in size and a decrease of system dependability; this last being the most frightening one. Systems must be more aware and more responsible of themselves that they are today. A question emerges: Can artificial consciousness be a solution to the performance/dependability problem? This paper describes the initial ideas guiding our research. We try to develop software intensive controllers for autonomous robust behaviour based on self-awareness, qualia being left for future endeavours.