Perception
Two main systems control all of the external stimuli available to the aerobes
UWB Positioning
The Aerobes use a ultrawideband positioning system provided by Pozyx. More than fifty anchors are positioned around the Turbine Hall, providing reference points for each aerobe to generate relative positioning data. This positioning data allows aerobes to avoid obstacles, stay within a safe flight volume, and avoid each other during flight.
Thermal Camera System
Interactions with visitors to the Tate Modern are facilitated by a system of AXIS Q1941-E mounted overhead. These cameras provide a top-down view of the Turbine Hall, and use computer vision algorithms to segment visitors from the background, and provide generalized information about visitors. As the aerobes aren’t interested in individuals and have a fairly limited “vision”, we don’t differentiate between nearby individuals. The aerobes are only aware of “heat blobs”, and only know the position of each blob in the Turbine Hall and its relative size to other blobs.
Mind
The Aerobes’ actions are controlled by an Artificial Life simulation developed in Cinder. Inside of the simulation, each of the aerobes has its own independent simulation where it synthesizes inputs, develops a mental model of the world, and makes decisions about next actions that best satisfy its set of competing motivations.
The software simulation also provides a user interface for technicians to monitor and control battery swaps. The aerobes are fully autonomous and automatically return to the technician’s area when their battery life runs low; however, manual intervention is still needed to confirm that the battery has been successfully replaced and the aerobe is safe to return to flight.
Behavior-Based AI
Each Aerobe is modeled as an autonomous agent, leveraging techniques from psychology, ethology, and artificial life research to give them lifelike reactions. This approach, sometimes called “behavior-based” AI, is in stark contrast to machine learning, called “knowledge-based AI”, which focuses on pattern matching.
This unique type of artificial intelligence allows for the Aerobes to respond to a dynamic, unpredictable environment in ways that appears natural and organic.
Individuation of Traits
We used modern research into psychological trait theory and factor analysis to give each Aerobe unique traits that give them different responses to stimuli. We created a five-factor personality trait system for the Aerobes, and within this system created five personality archetypes. Each Aerobe possesses one of these personality archetypes.
Body
The Aerobes physical forms are provided by Airstage, who specialize in the development of flying objects.
Helium Dirigibles
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