Motivational modulation of consummatory behaviour and learning in a robot model of spatial navigation

We present a biomimetic model of motivated behaviour based on the network architecture of the mammalian hypothalamus and its interaction with brain systems involved in reward, memory and decision-making. Specifically, a novel model of the hypothalamus, viewed as a layered structure, is integrated with a previously-developed model of the hippocampal-striatal network controlling a simulated robot in a navigation task. Hypothalamic modulation of model dopamine signals allows the robot to learn the location of reward while regulating simulated food intake. When ‘satiated’ the robot explores, when ‘hungry’ it moves towards the learned food source. We discuss the potential uses and future challenges of such models in the development of autonomous robots.