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Flexible intentions: An Active Inference theory.

Matteo Priorelli1, Ivilin Peev Stoianov1

  • 1Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies (ISTC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Padua, Italy.

Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience
|April 6, 2023
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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This study introduces a computational theory where the brain uses flexible intentions to guide actions in changing environments. This active inference model, potentially involving the Posterior Parietal Cortex, enables dynamic goal-directed behavior.

Area of Science:

  • Computational Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Robotics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • The brain must generate goal-directed actions in dynamic environments.
  • Active Inference theory explains cortical processing via belief updating and sensory prediction.
  • Flexible intention generation is crucial for adapting motor control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a normative computational theory of visually-guided goal-directed actions.
  • To propose the Posterior Parietal Cortex (PPC) as a neural substrate for flexible intentions.
  • To computationally formalize intention computation for dynamic action generation.

Main Methods:

  • Extended the Active Inference framework.
  • Developed a computational model of intention formation.
Keywords:
Active InferencePosterior Parietal CortexPredictive Codingintentionssensorimotor control

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  • Tested a proof-of-concept agent with simulated sensors and an upper limb in target-reaching tasks.

    • Main Results:

    • The agent successfully performed target-reaching tasks under various conditions (static/dynamic targets, sensory feedback variations).
    • The model demonstrated robustness to changes in sensory precision and intention gains.
    • Identified limit conditions for the proposed computational mechanism.

    Conclusions:

    • Active Inference, augmented by dynamic intentions, supports goal-directed behavior in changing environments.
    • The Posterior Parietal Cortex (PPC) is a potential neural locus for intention mechanisms.
    • The study provides a computational basis for goal-directed behavior and advances theories of active biological systems.