The Autonomy Research in Intelligent Systems and Ethics (ARISE) is an interdisciplinary group, which carries out research in the fields of Machine Learning, Cognitive and Developmental Robotics, Ethics, and Cognitive Science. The overarching theme of our research is the concept of autonomy: what are the defining characteristics of this concept in intelligent systems (artificial and non-artificial), the development of artificial agents that exhibit such characteristics, and the analysis of how the development of such artificial agents impacts on people and society.
The name ARISE reflects the essence of our research: the gradual “rising”, through continuous adaptation and learning, of autonomous capabilities in intelligent systems.
The group actively explores the theme of autonomy across diverse research areas. ARISE is committed to advancing the understanding of autonomy within artificial and non-artificial systems, focusing on the following key areas:
- Machine Learning/Reinforcement Learning: ARISE conducts research at the forefront of Machine Learning, with a specific emphasis on the reinforcement learning and deep reinforcement learning frameworks. This dedicated research is particularly oriented towards addressing challenges related to autonomous exploration/exploitation balancing, autonomous goal discovery, hierarchical curriculum learning, and similar problems aimed at enhancing the autonomy of artificial agents
- Intrinsically Motivated Open-Ended Learning: Drawing inspiration from the biologically inspired concept of intrinsic motivation, ARISE employs this framework to enhance open-ended learning. By infusing artificial agents with non-task-specific motivations, the group endeavors to enhance adaptability and versatility, enabling agents to autonomously explore diverse environments. To accomplish this, ARISE conducts research in the fields of developmental and cognitive robotics. The group is dedicated to developing cognitive architectures for robotic control that integrate various mechanisms and functions that serve the autonomous exploration and learning in potentially unknown/changing environments.
- Ethical, Psychological, and Societal Impact: ARISE critically examines the ethical, psychological, and societal implications of artificial agents with motivational autonomy. The group analyzes how the deployment of such agents influences individuals and society, with a commitment to ensuring ethical constraints. A central focus of this research involves exploring the intricate balance between fostering agent autonomy and promoting ethical behavior. ARISE investigates ways to harmonize these objectives, ensuring that autonomous systems align with ethical principles while preserving the desired level of autonomy.
- Human Cognition and Technology: ARISE actively studies the impact of new technologies on human cognition, specifically focusing on how these technologies may interfere with or enhance human autonomy. The group explores the dynamic interaction between humans and technology, addressing the challenges and opportunities that emerge from the coexistence of humans and devices, where the latter play an increasing role in assisting humans in their cognitive activities, particularly in decision-making.
