Challenges of complex systems in cognitive and complex systems

After an introduction the chapter analyzes complex systems and the evolution of the embodied mind, complex systems and the innovation of embodied robotics, and finally discusses challenges of handling a world with increasing complexity: Large-scale networks have the same universal properties in evolution and technology. Considering the evolution of the embodied mind, we start with an introduction of complex systems and nonlinear dynamics, apply this approach to neural self-organization, distinguish degrees of complexity of the brain, explain the emergence of cognitive states by complex systems dynamics, and discuss criteria for modeling the brain as complex nonlinear system. The innovation of embodied robotics is a challenge of complex systems and future technology. We start with the distinction of symbolic and embodied AI. Embodied robotics is inspired by the evolution of life. Modern systems biology integrates the molecular, organic, human, and ecological levels of life with computational models of complex systems. Embodied robots are explained as dynamical systems. Self-organization of complex systems needs self-control of technical systems. Cellular neural networks (CNN) are an example of self-organizing complex systems offering new avenues for neurobionics. In general, technical neural networks support different kinds of learning robots. Embodied robotics aims at the development of cognitive and conscious robots.