Reach Space Analysis of Baseline Differential Extrinsic Plasticity Control

The neuroplasticity rule Differential Extrinsic Plasticity (DEP) has been studied in the context of goal-free simulated agents, producing realistic-looking, environmentally-aware behaviors, but no successful control mechanism has yet been implemented for intentional behavior. The goal of this paper is to determine if “short-circuited DEP,” a simpler, open-loop variant can generate desired trajectories in a robot arm. DEP dynamics, both transient and limit cycles are poorly understood. Experiments were performed to elucidate these dynamics and test the ability of a robot to leverage these dynamics for target reaching and circular motions.