This open access book aims at deepening the understanding of the
relation between cyber-physical systems (CPSs) as socio-technical
systems and their digital representations with intertwined artificial
intelligence (AI). The authors describe why it is crucial for digital
selves to be able to develop emotional behavior and why a
humanity-inspired AI is necessary so that humans and humanoids can
coexist.
The introductory chapter describes major milestones in computer science
which form the basis for the implementation of digital twins and digital
selves. The subsequent Part I then lays the foundation to develop a
socio-technical understanding of the nature of digital twins as
representations and trans-human development objects. Following the
conceptual understanding of digital twins and how they could be
engineered according to cognitive and organizational structures, Part II
forms the groundwork for understanding social behavior and its modeling.
It discusses various perception-based socio-emotional approaches before
sketching behavior-relevant models and their simulation capabilities. In
particular, it is shown how emotions can substantially influence the
collective behavior of artificial actors. Part III eventually presents a
symbiosis showing under which preconditions digital selves might
construct and produce digital twins as integrated design elements in
trans-human ecosystems. The chapters in this part are dedicated to
opportunities and modes of co-creating reflective socio-trans-human
systems based on digital twin models, exploring mutual control and
continuous development. The final epilog is congenitally speculative in
its nature by presenting thoughts on future developments of artificial
life in computational substrates.
The book is written for researchers and professionals in areas like
cyber-physical systems, robotics, social simulation or systems
engineering, interested to take a speculative look into the future of
digital twins and autonomous agents. It also touches upon philosophical
aspects of digital twins, digital selves and humanoids.