Accelerating rat's learning speed using a robot - the robot autonomously shows rats its functions

Abstract

We investigated interactions between animals and robots and would like to create a model of symbiosis between creature and robot. Therefore, we have conducted several interaction experiments between rats and robots based on animal psychology. In our previous research, we developed a robot which has two levers (WM-6). We then conditioned rats to push the levers on the robot to obtain food. To show the rats how to obtain food, the experimenter pushed the levers and fed food in front of the rats. In this paper, we tried to condition rats to push the levers without the experimenter showing. Refereeing to Skinner's operant conditioning, we developed a robot behavior generation algorithm that enabled the robot to autonomously show rats how to obtain food, pushing the levers. We then confirmed its effect through an experiment. In the beginning of this experiment, a rat could not push the levers. Then, the robot autonomously showed its functions changing its behavior pattern. Therefore, the rat learned to push the levers on the robot to obtain food.