In a recent study published in Science Robotics, a team of experts from Italy, the UK, and Germany explores the intriguing concept of the "sense of self" in humans and how robots can aid in understanding this phenomenon. The authors, Agnieszka Wykowska from the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Tony Prescott from the University of Sheffield, and Kai Vogeley from the University of Cologne, delve into the idea that our sense of self is closely tied to our physical bodies and interactions with the world.
The researchers propose that robots could serve both as models of human self-perception and as experimental platforms for psychological studies. They suggest that by programming robots to simulate cognitive processes linked to self-experience, scientists can gain deeper insights into how humans perceive their own existence.
One approach discussed involves creating robots that can distinguish their own bodies and recognize the consequences of their actions, mirroring the human experience of agency. Additionally, the study highlights the potential for robots to engage in social interactions with humans, allowing researchers to analyze whether people perceive these robots as social beings.
Wykowska's team has already conducted experiments indicating that humans can develop a sense of joint agency with robots during collaborative tasks. Furthermore, the authors draw parallels between the development of self-awareness in children and the potential for robots to exhibit similar features, such as memory systems akin to human autobiographical memory.
While the research is still in its infancy, the authors emphasize the importance of understanding how self-awareness can be affected by conditions like schizophrenia and autism. They hope that insights gained from robotic studies will illuminate the fundamental aspects of the human experience of self.