The concept of modularity is a main concern for the generation of artificially intelligent systems. Modularity is an ubiquitous organization principle found everywhere in natural and artificial complex systems (Callebaut, 2005). Evidences from biological and philosophical points of view (Caelli and Wen, 1999) (Fodor, 1983), indicate that modularity is a requisite for complex intelligent behaviour. Besides, from an engineering point of view, modularity seems to be the only way for the construction of complex structures. Hence, whether complex neural programs for complex agents are desired, modularity is required. This article introduces the concepts of modularity and module from a computational point of view, and how they apply to the generation of neural programs based on modules. Two levels, strategic and tactical, at which modularity can be implemented, are identified. How they work and how they can be combined for the generation of a completely modular controller for a neural network based agent is presented.
International Conference on Complex Systems: fractals, spin glasses and neural networks
