Project description
AI-based architecture for robust and flexible cognition
Advancements in deep learning have allowed artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve human-level performance in various sensory, perceptual, linguistic, and cognitive tasks. However, to enable more robust and flexible cognition, there is a need for innovative cognitive architectures inspired by the human brain. The Global Workspace Theory (GWT) is a cognitive architecture that qualitatively explains conscious and unconscious processes. In this context, the ERC-funded GLoW project aims to develop a roadmap using unsupervised neural translation across multiple latent spaces, resulting in a unique, amodal global latent workspace (GLW) framework. This GLW framework will be directly implemented in deep learning models of increasing complexity. The project will also evaluate the correlation between the GLW framework and brain networks.
Objective
Recent advances in deep learning have allowed Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reach human-level performance in many sensory, perceptual, linguistic or cognitive tasks. There is a growing need, however, for novel, brain-inspired cognitive architectures to achieve more robust and flexible cognition. The Global Workspace Theory refers to a large-scale system integrating and distributing information among networks of specialized modules to create higher-level forms of cognition and awareness. It is one of the dominant neuroscientific accounts of higher-level brain function. We argue that the time is ripe to consider explicit implementations of this theory using deep learning techniques. We propose a roadmap based on unsupervised neural translation between multiple latent spaces (neural networks trained for distinct tasks, on distinct sensory inputs and/or modalities) to create a unique, amodal global latent workspace (GLW). Sensory inputs that are broadcast in this GLW acquire meaning by connecting them to (or translating them into) the relevant semantic knowledge and representations from language, memory or decision systems: the semantic grounding property. Conversely, language and semantic representations are grounded in the sensory environment via the same broadcast/translation operation. Finally, broadcasting sensory and semantic inputs to the relevant effector domains can create motor affordances and support embodied cognition. Together, the grounding and affordance properties infuse meaning in AI processes, which can then be combined sequentially (via attentional selection) to enable flexible cognitive functionsi.e. System-2 AI. The interdisciplinary project will directly implement the GLW framework in deep learning models of growing complexity, and evaluate their correspondence with brain networks. It will provide an explicit evaluation of the Global Workspace Theory, and push the limits of current deep learning systems towards next-generation AI.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2022-ADG
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75794 PARIS
France
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