Towards Sharing Cognitive Environments: Methodology and Theory

Methodology and Theory — Virtual Reality, Embodied Intelligence, and Beyond

Venue: WeRobot 2022

Authors: Jesse Parent, Avery Lim, Amanda Nelson, Brian McCorkle, Morgan Hough, Bradly Alicea

Abstract

Technology has been a fundamental generator of new affordances for communicating, relating, and sharing information: human experience continues to grow more robust and integrative. While the state of the art in artificial intelligence and robotics falls short of lofty claims for general, transferable intelligences, the quest for greater cognitive capacity and comprehension in artificial agents and humans continues. How does virtual and augmented reality offer new mediums to share experience, particularly across diversity in cognitive robustness and nuance?

Building off of previous work in affective computing, embodied intelligence & development, and cognitive offloading, we examine the technical, theoretical, and philosophical aspects of creating transferable virtual cognitive interfaces. With case studies of intellectual and developmental disabilities; emerging digital and hybrid social platforms; and education and training, we consider the gap between current technologies and their potential developments.