Matěj Hoffmann presents A computational model of infant sensorimotor exploration
On 2026-02-26 11:00:00 at G205, Karlovo náměstí 13, Praha 2
Article:
Spisak, J., Popescu, S. T., Wermter, S., Hoffmann, M. and O'Regan, J. K.
(2026),
'A computational model of infant sensorimotor exploration in the mobile
paradigm', IEEE Transactions on Cognitive and Developmental Systems.
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/11267250
Abstract:
We present a computational model of the mechanisms that may determine infant
behavior in the “mobile paradigm”. This paradigm has been used in
developmental psychology to explore how infants learn the sensory effects of
their actions. In this paradigm, a mobile (an articulated and movable object
hanging above an infant’s crib) is connected to one of the infant’s limbs,
prompting the infant to preferentially move that "connected" limb. This ability
to detect a "sensorimotor contingency" is considered to be a oundational
cognitive ability in development. To understand how infants learn sensorimotor
contingencies, we built a model that attempts to replicate infant behavior. Our
model incorporates a neural network, action-outcome prediction, exploration,
motor noise, preferred activity level, and biologically inspired motor control.
We find that simulations with our model replicate the classic findings in the
literature showing preferential movement of the connected limb. An interesting
observation is that the model sometimes exhibits a burst of movement after the
mobile is disconnected, shedding light on a similar occasional finding in
infants. In addition to these general findings, the simulations also replicate
data from two recent more detailed studies using a connection with the mobile
that was either gradual or all-or-none. A series of ablation studies further
shows that the inclusion of mechanisms of action-outcome prediction,
exploration, motor noise, and biologically inspired motor control was essential
for the model to correctly replicate infant behavior. This suggests that these
components are also involved in infant sensorimotor learning.
Spisak, J., Popescu, S. T., Wermter, S., Hoffmann, M. and O'Regan, J. K.
(2026),
'A computational model of infant sensorimotor exploration in the mobile
paradigm', IEEE Transactions on Cognitive and Developmental Systems.
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/11267250
Abstract:
We present a computational model of the mechanisms that may determine infant
behavior in the “mobile paradigm”. This paradigm has been used in
developmental psychology to explore how infants learn the sensory effects of
their actions. In this paradigm, a mobile (an articulated and movable object
hanging above an infant’s crib) is connected to one of the infant’s limbs,
prompting the infant to preferentially move that "connected" limb. This ability
to detect a "sensorimotor contingency" is considered to be a oundational
cognitive ability in development. To understand how infants learn sensorimotor
contingencies, we built a model that attempts to replicate infant behavior. Our
model incorporates a neural network, action-outcome prediction, exploration,
motor noise, preferred activity level, and biologically inspired motor control.
We find that simulations with our model replicate the classic findings in the
literature showing preferential movement of the connected limb. An interesting
observation is that the model sometimes exhibits a burst of movement after the
mobile is disconnected, shedding light on a similar occasional finding in
infants. In addition to these general findings, the simulations also replicate
data from two recent more detailed studies using a connection with the mobile
that was either gradual or all-or-none. A series of ablation studies further
shows that the inclusion of mechanisms of action-outcome prediction,
exploration, motor noise, and biologically inspired motor control was essential
for the model to correctly replicate infant behavior. This suggests that these
components are also involved in infant sensorimotor learning.