1. functions simulated by computers or robots as a way of modeling and investigating the behavioral, cognitive, and neural components of human consciousness.

2. an artificial system (e.g., robot) constructed to have phenomenal consciousness (called artificial consciousness).

3. broadly, the entire interdisciplinary research effort behind both aforementioned senses, involving such areas as artificial intelligence, robotics, computer science, cybernetics, cognitive science, cognitive psychology, philosophy of mind, and neuroscience. See also Chinese Room argument; Turing test.