A psychoanalytically-inspired motivational and emotional system for autonomous agents

Abstract

When developing autonomous agents, the problem of motivation poses one of the key questions. Following a bionic approach inspired by psychoanalysis, a multi-level motivational system to enable autonomous agents to pursue their own agenda and cope with their internal and external environment is presented. Considering embodiment, both homeostatic (extrinsic) and non-homeostatic (intrinsic) internal motivations are modeled. In particular, drives, which are represented on multiple levels, are modeled as the motivational element for agents' actions. Representing an additional level of motivations, emotions are integrated as a co-determinant of decision making.