On the theory of intelligent machines: a survey

Work aimed at formulating analytically the theory of intelligent machines is summarized. The functions of an intelligent machine are executed by intelligent controls. The principle of increasing precision with decreasing intelligence is used to form a hierarchical structure of the control systems. Distributed intelligence is compatible with such a structure when it is used for teams of intelligent machines or cooperating coordinators within the machine. The three levels of the intelligent control, i.e. the organization, coordination, and execution levels, are described as originally conceived. Designs such as neural nets for the organization level and Petri nets for the coordination level are also proposed. Applications to intelligent robots for space exploration are considered