Knowledge of machines: review and forward look

Abstract

This paper looks at the possibility of knowledge development of machines from an engineer’s point of view. First, the increasing need for autonomous operations of vehicles, manufacturing facilities, utility networks, and robots is reviewed. From the point of view of operational design, five desirable ingredients are identified that can facilitate control autonomy. Most of these facilitators can be enabled by using the methodology of natural language programming and writing of documents that machines can read and utilize to improve their feedback control skills, their knowledge of the environment, and also their decision-making skills. A forward look outlines the benefits of ‘publishing for machines’, to manufacturing, vehicle operations, utility networks, and robots.