Using the iCub simulator to study perceptual development: A case study

In the present study, we assess the iCub simulator as a platform for investigating perceptual development in human infants. In particular, we evaluate the simulator as a virtual environment for conducting object-perception experiments. As a case study, we describe our simulation of the perceptual-completion task, which measures infants´ perception of a moving, partially-occluded object. We present here two simulation studies. The first study replicates our previous findings, which demonstrate that increasing spatial competition in our eye-movement model results in increased attention toward the occluded object. We then extend these findings in a second simulation study by demonstrating that reducing the width of the occluder also increases attention toward the occluded object, though unexpectedly, only for low levels of spatial competition. We conclude by highlighting the value of the iCub simulator as a research tool for psychologists, and also by noting how our eye-movement model can be further improved and elaborated.