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The purpose of this paper is to apply the quantum “eigenlogic” formulation to behavioural analysis. Agents, represented by Braitenberg vehicles, are investigated in the context of the quantum robot paradigm. The agents are processed through quantum logical gates with fuzzy and multivalued inputs; this permits to enlarge the behavioural possibilities and the associated decisions for these simple vehicles.

In eigenlogic, the eigenvalues of the observables are the truth values and the associated eigenvectors are the logical interpretations of the propositional system. Logical observables belong to families of commuting observables for binary logic and many-valued logic. By extension, a fuzzy logic interpretation is proposed by using vectors outside the eigensystem of the logical connective observables. The fuzzy membership function is calculated by the quantum mean value (Born rule) of the logical projection operators and is associated to a quantum probability. The methodology of this paper is based on quantum measurement theory.

Fuzziness arises naturally when considering systems described by state vectors not in the considered logical eigensystem. These states correspond to incompatible and complementary systems outside the realm of classical logic. Considering these states allows the detection of new Braitenberg vehicle behaviours related to identified emotions; these are linked to quantum-like effects.

The method does not deal at this stage with first-order logic and is limited to different families of commuting logical observables. An extension to families of logical non-commuting operators associated to predicate quantifiers could profit of the “quantum advantage” due to effects such as superposition, parallelism, non-commutativity and entanglement. This direction of research has a variety of applications, including robotics.

The goal of this research is to show the multiplicity of behaviours obtained by using fuzzy logic along with quantum logical gates in the control of simple Braitenberg vehicle agents. By changing and combining different quantum control gates, one can tune small changes in the vehicle’s behaviour and hence get specific features around the main basic robot’s emotions.

New mathematical formulation for propositional logic based on linear algebra. This methodology demonstrates the potentiality of this formalism for behavioural agent models (quantum robots).

The purpose of this study is to explore using real-observation quantum genetic algorithms (RQGAs) to evolve neural controllers that are capable of controlling a self-reconfigurable modular robot in an adaptive locomotion task.

Quantum-inspired genetic algorithms (QGAs) have shown their superiority against conventional genetic algorithms in numerous challenging applications in recent years. The authors have experimented with several QGAs variants and real-observation QGA achieved the best results in solving numerical optimization problems. The modular robot used in this study is a hybrid simulated robot; each module has two degrees of freedom and four connecting faces. The modular robot also possesses self-reconfiguration and self-mobile capabilities.

The authors have conducted several experiments using different robot configurations ranging from a single module configuration to test the self-mobile property to several disconnected modules configuration to examine self-reconfiguration, as well as snake, quadruped and rolling track configurations. The results demonstrate that the robot was able to perform self-reconfiguration and produce stable gaits in all test scenarios.

The artificial neural controllers evolved using the real-observation QGA were able to control the self-reconfigurable modular robot in the adaptive locomotion task efficiently.

The aim of this paper is to gain knowledge in podcast mining as an additional source for Web-based horizon scanning (HS). The paper presents theoretical insights on the potential of podcast mining by exploring topics, which may be relevant in the future, and by reflecting the results against a background of HS approaches. The study provides a preliminary overview by presenting an exemplary list of podcast shows for further research.

The paper uses an exploratory quantitative content analysis, which was conducted on the basis of 30 topics deemed to be relevant in the future and which were identified in the field of applied science. Based on these topics, podcasts and episodes were identified which address future-oriented topics and were discussed in terms of range of content.

The findings indicate that future-oriented topics are addressed in podcasts. However, differences in dynamics and range of content of the podcasts concerned highlight the necessity of identifying a list of suitable podcasts according to the specific scanning focus and the dynamics of each future-oriented topics.

While a growing number of podcast studies have already noted the importance of podcasts as a key medium, for example, educational processes and media sciences, no detailed explanation of podcast mining as a tool for the purposes of HS has been published. The review therefore makes an original contribution to this field, highlighting areas where future research is needed.

Machining fixtures must fit exactly the work piece to support it appropriately. Even slight change in the design of the work piece renders the costly fixture useless. Substitution of traditional fixtures by a programmable multi‐robot system supporting the work pieces requires a specific control system and a specific programming method enabling its quick reconfiguration. The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel approach to task planning (programming) of the reconfigurable fixture system.

The multi‐robot control system has been designed following a formal approach based on the definition of the system structure in terms of agents and transition function definition of their behaviour. Thus, a modular system resulted, enabling software parameterisation. This facilitated the introduction of changes brought about by testing different variants of the mechanical structure of the system. A novel approach to task planning (programming) of the reconfigurable fixture system has been developed. Its solution is based on constraint satisfaction problem approach. The planner takes into account physical, geometrical, and time‐related constraints.

Reconfigurable fixture programming is performed by supplying CAD definition of the work piece. Out of this data the positions of the robots and the locations of the supporting heads are automatically generated. This proved to be an effective programming method. The control system on the basis of the thus obtained plan effectively controls the behaviours of the supporting robots in both drilling and milling operations.

The shop‐floor experiments with the system showed that the work piece is held stiffly enough for both milling and drilling operations performed by the CNC machine. If the number of diverse work piece shapes is large, the reconfigurable fixture is a cost‐effective alternative to the necessary multitude of traditional fixtures. Moreover, the proposed design approach enables the control system to handle a variable number of controlled robots and accommodates possible changes to the hardware of the work piece supporting robots.

The paper aims to give an evolutionary perspective and “collective intelligence” methods to help understand how the world could make the passage through today's “global megacrisis” – the intersection of climate change, peak oil, financial instability, and other threats – reaching a critical point as industrialization doubles over the next decade.

An online survey is used to assess attitudes toward four scenarios defining the range of possible outcomes of the global megacrisis, and an improved Delphi method estimates when emerging technologies are likely to enter mainstream use.

The survey shows that people think there is a strong likelihood these trends will cause major global disasters or a collapse of civilization in large parts of the globe. Macro-forecasts of the Technology Revolution suggest that the rise of e-commerce, green business, climate control, alternative energy, artificial intelligence, and other technological advances are likely to move the world to a more sophisticated level of development about 2020.

Trend analysis and “collective intelligence” methods, such as attitude surveys and Delphi studies, involve some degree of uncertainty

Results clarify how that today's global threats are part of a broader evolutionary passage to an advanced global order.

The evolutionary perspective is an original approach to global affairs, and the forecasts are from what may possibly be the best forecasting system available.

Rapid digital transformation underway represents both a risk and an opportunity for both policymakers and firms. This can address the risk and seize the opportunity by leveraging FDI to grow digital capabilities and competitiveness through a three-part strategy. First, launching Digital FDI enabling projects (DEPs) to create “digital friendly” investment climates through enabling policies, regulations, and measures. Second, using a “SMART” test as a heuristic before a full-fledged DEP is launched, which benchmarks their economy’s digital Skills, Market functioning, Access through connectivity, Restrictions, and Trust, and provides tools to tackle limiting factors. Third, reviewing FDI trends in six sectors that are important to grow the digital economy (two of which are proposed as essential, namely Communications and Software & IT services), with graphical evidence that can guide policymakers to prioritize policy reforms and investment promotion where they are relatively weak. Throughout, particular attention should be paid to growing the digital capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A Sustainable Technology Board – modeled after the Financial Stability Board but oriented to cooperation over new technologies – could further help address techno-competition and other concerns over Digital FDI.

Briefly reviews previous literature by the author before presenting an original 12 step system integration protocol designed to ensure the success of companies or countries in their efforts to develop and market new products. Looks at the issues from different strategic levels such as corporate, international, military and economic. Presents 31 case studies, including the success of Japan in microchips to the failure of Xerox to sell its invention of the Alto personal computer 3 years before Apple: from the success in DNA and Superconductor research to the success of Sunbeam in inventing and marketing food processors: and from the daring invention and production of atomic energy for survival to the successes of sewing machine inventor Howe in co‐operating on patents to compete in markets. Includes 306 questions and answers in order to qualify concepts introduced.

Presents reports and surveys of selective research and development in systems and cybernetics. They include: biometric systems; artificial intelligence; innovations; cybernetics and automation and quantum computing.

The purpose of this paper is to introduce new non‐classical implementations of neural networks (NNs). The developed implementations are performed in the quantum, nano, and optical domains to perform the required neural computing. The various implementations of the new NNs utilizing the introduced architectures are presented, and their extensions for the utilization in the non‐classical neural‐systolic networks are also introduced.

The introduced neural circuits utilize recent findings in the quantum, nano, and optical fields to implement the functionality of the basic NN. This includes the techniques of many‐valued quantum computing (MVQC), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and linear optics. The extensions of implementations to non‐classical neural‐systolic networks using the introduced neural‐systolic architectures are also presented.

Novel NN implementations are introduced in this paper. NN implementation using the general scheme of MVQC is presented. The proposed method uses the many‐valued quantum orthonormal computational basis states to implement such computations. Physical implementation of quantum computing (QC) is performed by controlling the potential to yield specific wavefunction as a result of solving the Schrödinger equation that governs the dynamics in the quantum domain. The CNT‐based implementation of logic NNs is also introduced. New implementations of logic NNs are also introduced that utilize new linear optical circuits which use coherent light beams to perform the functionality of the basic logic multiplexer by utilizing the properties of frequency, polarization, and incident angle. The implementations of non‐classical neural‐systolic networks using the introduced quantum, nano, and optical neural architectures are also presented.

The introduced NN implementations form new important directions in the NN realizations using the newly emerging technologies. Since the new quantum and optical implementations have the advantages of very high‐speed and low‐power consumption, and the nano implementation exists in very compact space where CNT‐based field effect transistor switches reliably using much less power than a silicon‐based device, the introduced implementations for non‐classical neural computation are new and interesting for the design in future technologies that require the optimal design specifications of super‐high speed, minimum power consumption, and minimum size, such as in low‐power control of autonomous robots, adiabatic low‐power very‐large‐scale integration circuit design for signal processing applications, QC, and nanotechnology.