Abstract: The discipline of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) offers a strong computational foundation, concepts, and tools for the field of computational intelligence. Simulation has proven to be a widely used tool for computational experimentation with a view to developing and improving intelligent system techniques. At the core of the M&S discipline of is operational characterization of the elements: real system data, experimental frame, model, and simulator, as well as the relationships that must bind these components together to constitute a meaningful application. Mathematical system theory provides the underlying substrate for expressing this ontology and paves the way to sound conceptualization of complex systems.

In this talk, we show how the two main and orthogonal, pillars of M&S theory – levels of system specification with associated morphisms, and systems specification formalisms – help develop models of complex intelligent systems. We discuss Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) models that exhibit intelligent behaviors and can be developed, observed and tested in computational form. To do this, we review the basics of the systems theory underlying DEVS as an M&S abstraction. Then we show how DEVS represents individual atomic agents and their hierarchical compositions to realize temporal event behaviors by having the necessary states, processing signals, and memory features while coordinating themselves in space and time. Mathematical system-theory proofs of such models’ canonical minimal realizations support the claim that their structures must be embedded in any plausible model of intelligent behavior. Thus, we argue that discrete event models of this nature constitute waypoints in the search for implementations involving basic architectural structure patterns. Implications of this methodology for construction and realization of intelligent natural (brain), and artificial machine learning and intelligent systems are then discussed.

Biography: Dr. Bernard P. Zeigler is Professor Emeritus of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Arizona and the Chief Scientist at RTSync Corp (rtsync.com). He received a B.Eng. Physics from McGill, M.S. from MIT, and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan (1968). Prof. Zeigler is best known for his theoretical work concerning modeling and simulation based on systems theory and the Discrete Event Systems Specification (DEVS) formalism which he invented in 1976. His book “Theory of Modeling and Simulation” has become a classic in the field. Recently, he published the third edition of the book as updated with the help of two young researchers and cited by over 7500 researchers. He is considered a Pioneer (https://d.lib.ncsu.edu/computer-simulation/videos/bernard-p-zeigler-interviewed-by-richard-e-nance-zeigler/) and a Titan of Simulation (https://d.lib.ncsu.edu/computer-simulation/lectures/mc00542-bernie-zeigler-titan-talk/). His R&D work in academia and industry has received recognition from numerous funding and professional agencies. Zeigler is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and The Society for Modeling and Simulation International (SCS). He is a member of the SCS Hall of Fame and received the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences (INFORMS) Simulation Society Lifetime Professional Achievement Award. His interests include Modeling and Simulation methodology, Intelligent Systems, Knowledge Based System Design and Engineering, Cognitive behavior modeling and simulation, and cyber-physical systems Internet-of-Things realizations. At RTSync, a spinoff company from the Arizona Center for Integrative Modeling and Simulation which he co-founded, he helps to apply modeling and simulation methodology and supporting software to defense and healthcare systems of systems. Also occupying his attention is the development of the Modeling and Simulation Body of Knowledge (https://scs.org/body-of-knowledge-archive/). His Wikipedia page is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_P._Zeigler.