To cope with the exceptional computational complexity that is involved in the control of its hyper-redundant arms [ 1 ], the octopus has adopted unique motor control strategies in which the central brain activates rather autonomous motor programs in the elaborated peripheral nervous system of the arms [ 2, 3 ]. How octopuses coordinate their eight long and flexible arms in locomotion is still unknown. Here, we present the first detailed kinematic analysis of octopus arm coordination in crawling. The results are surprising in several respects: (1) despite its bilaterally symmetrical body, the octopus can crawl in any direction relative to its body orientation; (2) body and crawling orientation are monotonically and independently controlled; and (3) contrasting known animal locomotion, octopus crawling lacks any apparent rhythmical patterns in limb coordination, suggesting a unique non-rhythmical output of the octopus central controller. We show that this uncommon maneuverability is derived from the radial symmetry of the arms around the body and the simple pushing-by-elongation mechanism by which the arms create the crawling thrust. These two together enable a mechanism whereby the central controller chooses in a moment-to-moment fashion which arms to recruit for pushing the body in an instantaneous direction. Our findings suggest that the soft molluscan body has affected in an embodied way [ 4, 5 ] the emergence of the adaptive motor behavior of the octopus.
Given sufficient biotech, I would definitely want to try being an octopus for a while. Does this seem possible? If so, how much about being an octopus could I remember when (if?) I went back to being human?
Given sufficient biotech, I would definitely want to try being an octopus for a while. Does this seem possible?
It seems badly defined. It’s not clear in what sense you could be an octopus.
What does seem to be possible is adding extra arms and limbs. Our brains seem to be capable of integrating new things. But even if you would be given 8 tentacles that wouldn’t make you an octopus.
I think being an octopus might be something like having an octopus’ motor and sensory systems while still having my memories. A really Friendly AI should be able to figure out how to do that. Harder or easier than CEV?
http://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(15)00266-3?cc=y
Given sufficient biotech, I would definitely want to try being an octopus for a while. Does this seem possible? If so, how much about being an octopus could I remember when (if?) I went back to being human?
It seems badly defined. It’s not clear in what sense you could be an octopus.
What does seem to be possible is adding extra arms and limbs. Our brains seem to be capable of integrating new things. But even if you would be given 8 tentacles that wouldn’t make you an octopus.
I think being an octopus might be something like having an octopus’ motor and sensory systems while still having my memories. A really Friendly AI should be able to figure out how to do that. Harder or easier than CEV?
That assumes that memories are separated from the motor and sensory system. I don’t think it works that way.