The Development of Embodied Cognition

Six Lessons from Babies


Linda B. Smith
Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science Program
Indiana University, Bloomington
Bloomington, IN 47405-7007, USA

and

Michael Gasser
Computer Science Department and Cognitive Science Program
Indiana University, Bloomington
Bloomington, IN 47405-7007, USA

Citation: L.Smith and M. Gasser [2005]. Artificial Life. Vol. 11, Issues 1-2, pp. 13 - 30 - Winter-Spring 2005. Special Issue on Embodied and Situated Cognition. Preprint available in pdf format.

Abstract: The embodiment hypothesis is the idea that intelligence emerges in the interaction of an agent with an environment and as a result of sensorimotor activity. In this paper we offer six lessons for developing embodied intelligent agents suggested by research in developmental psychology. We argue that starting as a baby grounded in a physical, social and linguistic world is crucial to the development of the flexible and inventive intelligence that characterizes humankind.

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Last Modified: May 27, 2005