Better AI through Logical Scaffolding

We describe the concept of logical scaffolds, which can be used to improve the quality of software that relies on AI components. We explain how some of the existing ideas on runtime monitors for perception systems can be seen as a specific instance of logical scaffolds. Furthermore, we describe how logical scaffolds may be useful for improving AI programs beyond perception systems, to include general prediction systems and agent behavior models. Keywords: AI · Autonomous systems · Formal methods. 1 Introduction Recent progress in AI has led to possible deployment in a wide variety of important domains. This includes safety-critical cyberphysical systems such as automobiles [1] and airplanes [7], but also decision making systems in diverse domains including legal [15] and military applications [3].