The SP System, meaning the SP Theory of Intelligence and its realisation in the SP Computer Model, is the product of a lengthy programme of research, which now provides solutions or potential solutions to several problems in AI research [1]. There is an extended overview of the SP System in [2], and there is a much more comprehensive description in [3]. This presentation is about how the SP System may prove useful in the development of intelligence in robots. A peer-reviewed, published, paper about this is in [4]. The main theme of this presentation is generality, as described in the following subsections.

Generality needed for AI in robots

Where some degree of autonomy and intelligence are required in robots, it seems fair to say that capabilities that have been developed so far are quite narrowly specialised, such as vacuum cleaning an apartment or a house, navigating a factory floor, walking over rough ground, and so on. It seems fair to say that there is a pressing need to provide robots with human-like generality and adaptability in intelligence.

Generality in the development of the SP System

The overarching goal in the development of the SP System has been to search for a framework that would simplify and integrate observations and concepts across artificial intelligence, mainstream computing, mathematics, and human learning, perception, and cognition. Despite the ambition of this goal, it seems that promising solutions have been found (next). There are of course reasons worry about the development of super-intelligence in robots, but that is outside the scope of this presentation.