Integrating Systems and Theories in the SAL Hybrid Architecture

The Synthesis of ACT-R and Leabra (SAL) hybrid cognitive architecture is the integration of two theories of cognitive functioning, each itself a highly integrative theory of cognition, ACT-R being predominantly a symbolic production-rule based architecture and Leabra a neural modeling architecture. The combination of the two architectures allows for richer dynamics that take advantage of neural and symbolic aspects and provides mutual constraints that promote convergence towards models that are both neurophysiologically and psychologically valid. We present a hybrid model that makes use of multi-level and multi-system integration to allow an instructed assembly task to be carried out in way that is noise and error robust. Specifically, the model shows how higher-level error recovery routines can interface with lower-level sensory, motor, and error detection processes and result in a robustness to noise and noise-induced errors. Multiple systems and processes operating at multiple levels are recruited to provide a way around the limitations of simpler systems composed of isolated modules that do not allow information to be propagated as easily. The benefits of this approach provide motivation for the adoption of a generally integrated approach to cognitive systems.