The LIDA Model as a Foundational Architecture for AGI

Artificial intelligence (AI) initially aimed at creating “thinking machines,” that is, computer systems having human level general intelligence. However, AI research has until recently focused on creating intelligent, but highly domain-specific, systems. Currently, researchers are again undertaking the original challenge of creating AI systems (agents) capable of human-level intelligence, or “artificial general intelligence” (AGI). In this chapter, we will argue that Learning Intelligent Distribution Agent (LIDA), which implements Baars’ Global Workspace Theory (GWT), may be suitable as an underlying cognitive architecture on which others might build an AGI. Our arguments rely mostly on an analysis of how LIDA satisfies Sun’s “desiderata for cognitive architectures” as well as Newell’s “test for a theory of cognition.” Finally, we measure LIDA against the architectural features listed in the BICA Table of Implemented Cognitive Architectures, as well as to the anticipated needs of AGI developers.