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Self-organized criticality, plasticity and sensorimotor coupling. Explorations with a neurorobotic model in a
Miguel Aguilera1, Xabier E Barandiaran2, Manuel G Bedia1
1Dept. of Computer Science and Engineering Systems, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
Plos One
|February 24, 2015
Summary
This study introduces a neurorobotic model demonstrating how 1/f noise emerges from brain-body-environment interactions. The findings highlight the crucial roles of neural plasticity and sensorimotor coupling in generating this complex phenomenon.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Neuroscience
- Robotics
- Complex Systems
Background:
- Analysis of 1/f noise has advanced understanding of mental processes.
- Existing models often neglect the interplay between neuronal mechanisms and sensorimotor dynamics in coupled brain-body-environment systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a conceptual model explaining the generation of 1/f noise in coupled brain-body-environment systems.
- To bridge mechanistic (neurodynamic) and behavioral levels of description using a neurorobotic agent.
Main Methods:
- A minimal neurorobotic agent model with a simulated robot controlled by Kuramoto oscillators and homeostatic plasticity.
- Incorporation of behavioral preferences via sensorimotor patterns.
- Analysis of self-organized criticality and 1/f noise generation under specific conditions.
Main Results:
- The simple three-oscillator model exhibits self-organized criticality, producing robust 1/f noise and a wide multifractal spectrum.
- Emergence of 1/f noise is contingent upon non-linear dynamics, internal plasticity, and strong sensorimotor coupling.
- Experiments confirm the necessity of synaptic plasticity and sensorimotor coupling for self-organized criticality and 1/f noise.
Conclusions:
- Conceptual models are vital for mediating between theoretical and mechanistic research in self-organized criticality.
- Future research should integrate sensorimotor coupling as a key factor in self-organized criticality and 1/f noise generation.
- The model provides a framework for understanding how complex brain-body-environment interactions give rise to emergent phenomena like 1/f noise.
