Theory of functional systems, adaptive critics and neural networks

We propose a general scheme of intelligent adaptive control system based on the Petr K. Anokhin´s theory of functional systems. This scheme is aimed at controlling adaptive purposeful behavior of an animat (a simulated animal) that has several natural needs (e.g., energy replenishment, reproduction). The control system consists of a set of hierarchically linked functional systems and enables predictive and goal-directed behavior. Each functional system includes a neural network based adaptive critic design. We also discuss schemes of prognosis, decision making, action selection and learning that occur in the functional systems and in the whole control system of the animat.