Spatially-Invariant Opinion Dynamics on the Circle

Adaptive systems; biologically-inspired methods; perceptual decision-making; robotics; Biologically inspired methods; Continuous distribution; Dynamics models; Making decision; New theory; Opinion dynamics; Opinion formation; Perceptual decision making; Robotic navigation; Spatially invariants; Control and Systems Engineering; Control and Optimization

Abstract :

[en] We propose and analyze a nonlinear opinion dynamics model for an agent making decisions about a continuous distribution of options in the presence of input. Inspired by perceptual decision-making, we develop new theory for opinion formation in response to inputs about options distributed on the circle. Options on the circle can represent, e.g., the possible directions of perceived objects and resulting heading directions in planar robotic navigation problems. Interactions among options are encoded through a spatially invariant kernel, which we design to ensure that only a small (finite) subset of options can be favored over the continuum. We leverage the spatial invariance of the model linearization to design flexible, distributed opinion-forming behaviors using spatiotemporal frequency domain and bifurcation analysis. We illustrate our model's versatility with an application to robotic navigation in crowded spaces.

Disciplines :

Engineering, computing & technology: Multidisciplinary, general & others

Author, co-author :

Amorim, Giovanna ; Princeton University, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton, United States

Bizyaeva, Anastasia ; Cornell University, Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Ithaca, United States

Franci, Alessio ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'électricité, électronique et informatique (Institut Montefiore) > Brain-Inspired Computing ; WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium

Leonard, Naomi Ehrich ; Princeton University, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton, United States

Language :

English

Title :

Spatially-Invariant Opinion Dynamics on the Circle

Publication date :

2024

Journal title :

IEEE Control Systems Letters

eISSN :

2475-1456

Publisher :

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.

Volume :

Pages :

3231 - 3236

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Additional URL :

http://xplorestaging.ieee.org/ielx8/7782633/10411713/10816686.pdf?arnumber=10816686

Funders :

ONR - Office of Naval Research

Funding text :

This work was supported in part by ONR under Grant N00014-19-1-2556.

Available on ORBi :

since 18 June 2025

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