Potential of full human–machine symbiosis through truly intelligent cognitive systems

Abstract

It is highly likely that, to achieve full human–machine symbiosis, truly intelligent cognitive systems—human-like (or even beyond)—may have to be developed first. Such systems should not only be capable of performing human-like thinking, reasoning, and problem solving, but also be capable of displaying human-like motivation, emotion, and personality. In this opinion article, I will argue that such systems are indeed possible and needed to achieve true and full symbiosis with humans. A computational cognitive architecture (named Clarion) is used in this article to illustrate, in a preliminary way, what can be achieved in this regard. It is shown that Clarion involves complex structures, representations, and mechanisms, and is capable of capturing human cognitive performance (including skills, reasoning, memory, and so on) as well as human motivation, emotion, personality, and other relevant aspects. It is further argued that the cognitive architecture can enable and facilitate true human–machine symbiosis.