Hierarchical Reasoning Models in AI and the Brain

This episode discusses hierarchical decision-making across various fields, from computational models to biological systems and robotics. "Hierarchical Decision Making" explores how context-dependent decisions can be structured in a hierarchy, utilizing machine learning and reinforcement learning to enhance human operator effectiveness. Complementing this, "Hierarchical reasoning by neural circuits in the frontal cortex" investigates the neurological underpinnings of such processes, identifying specific brain regions involved in multi-timescale decision-making in primates. Finally, "Multi-Level Reasoning for Delicate Assembly using Dual Arms" demonstrates the practical application of hierarchical reasoning in robotics, showcasing how complex multi-robot assembly tasks, like building with LEGOs, benefit from physics-aware planning and asynchronous execution within a hierarchical framework.