Chapter 17 – AUTOMATA

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on automata. There is great current interest in the relation between perception and the theory of automata because emphasis is on understanding how processing of energy, as it impinges on the peripheral nervous system in the form of sensations, is performed by the organism. There is great interest also in computer science in understanding how machines can be taught to perceive and to learn perceptual concepts. The problem of providing a proper survey of the work in computer science relevant to the general theme of perception and automata is far from simple. From the 15th century, there are numerous examples of mechanical automata doing a surprisingly wide variety of things, ranging from clocks to toys and mechanical conjurers. Many subtle functions are performed by these mechanical automata and from a surprisingly early date.