One of the missing pieces that could allow robots to become more adaptable and useful is procedural learning. Unlike higher-level, cognitive learning that allows people to read books and analyze problems, procedural learning is the process by which expertise is gained after repeating a task many times. It could have an impact on training people and machines to do complex sensory and motor tasks in changing environments. Such biologically inspired principles can improve the learning performance of robots, which in turn can provide insights into learning in animals. The technology to make better robots is not lacking.
Robot manipulators are more dexterous than ever.
Sensors are more accurate. Processors are faster and memory is less expensive. Software is easier to write and maintain. Despite these advances, engineers have not been able to develop robots that exhibit behavior as intelligent as that of animals and people. CWRU biologists plan to study simpler animals such as insects and mollusks.