1 From finding home to navigational primitives: using path-integration and tracking technologies to achieve navigational mitigation. By Bradly Alicea* and Laura Grabowski** * Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media and Cognitive Science Program (aliceabr@msu.edu ), Michigan State University ** Department of Computer Science and Cognitive Science Program (grabow38@msu.edu ), Michigan State University Abstract We are proposing an Augmented Cognition paradigm for better understanding both the underlying roots of spatial navigation and sensorimotor integration during navigation and how variations in these parameters might serve as a means to mitigate suboptimal behavior. An experimental approach typical of exploring path integration in animals is used to probe navigational abilities and sensorimotor performance in an environment with limited visibility. In this paper, our technological platform, relevant computational models, and potential applications will be discussed. 1.0 Introduction We are utilizing real-time tracking technologies to monitor navigational and biomechanical parameters during path integration (see Figure 1). Our backpack-mounted tracking system utilizes an AgGPS with submeter resolution and Xsens accelerometers which can track spatial location, head movement, and stride length during navigation. Figure 1: picture of user wearing the system. These continuous sensor data consist of two directional heading variables; one derived from the head tracker, and another derived from the GPS coordinates. The head- and leg-mounted trackers will record the products of sensorimotor integration, while the GPS unit will record the product of path integration. Path integration (PI - see Mittelstadt and Mittlestadt, 1982) has two main aspects. One is the integration of inertial signals from the proprioceptive and vestibular systems, while the other is the addition of small successive increments of movement onto a continually-updated representation of