Goal-seeking behavior in a connectionist model

Goal-seeking behavior in a connectionist model is demonstrated using the examples of foraging by a simulated ant and cooperative nest-building by a pair of simulated birds. The model, a control neural network, translates needs into responses. The purpose of this work is to produce lifelike behavior with a goal-seeking artificial neural network. The foraging ant example illustrates the intermediation of neurons to guide the ant to a goal in a semi-predictable environment. In the nest-building example, both birds, executing gender-specific networks, exhibit social nesting and feeding behavior directed toward multiple goals.