Architecture note
NAO is the core. Domains are adapters.
NAO is designed as a governed cognitive engine whose general reasoning mechanisms remain separate from domain-specific data, rules and interfaces.
This is an architectural model, not a claim of proven transferability across every domain.
NAO Core
Generic cognition
Core-level concepts stay independent of any single domain.
EHUD++ is the coherence discipline of NAO: it evaluates factual coherence, systemic coherence, robustness and adaptability against uncertainty, contradictions and risk.
X(t) = {facts, hypotheses, uncertainty, risk, coherence, contradictions, actions}
EHUD++ / coherence discipline
Evaluates factual coherence, systemic coherence, robustness and adaptability against uncertainty, contradictions and risk.
Epistemic state
Facts, hypotheses and unknowns are represented separately rather than collapsed into a single answer.
Uncertainty and contradictions
Conflicting or insufficient evidence is retained as an explicit state, not smoothed away.
Memory and temporal continuity
Recent context is carried forward so a decision can be placed in time rather than judged in isolation.
Self-model / self-evaluation
A functional representation of the system's own reliability and limits. Functional only — not sentience or consciousness.
ACT / WAIT / BLOCK
Decision outcomes are discrete and include not acting. WAIT is a valid decision.
Governance / authorization boundaries
Cognitive state never becomes authority by itself; authorization remains a separate step.
Outcome comparison / revision
Prior expectations are compared with what actually followed, so reasoning can be revised.
Domain adapters
Specialization layer
Specialization without redefining the core.
A Domain Adapter translates a specific environment into observations, constraints and actions the general core can understand, while domain-specific primitives remain outside the Core whenever possible.
NAO CoreDomain adapterEnvironment
Gold— First operational proving ground
The first real environment used to test cognition, memory, governance and decision-making under uncertainty.
Bank— Future domain direction
Compare offers against user constraints, not price alone.
Travel— Future domain direction
Compare a journey as a coherent whole: timing, baggage, transfers, flights and hotels.
Shopping— Future domain direction
Compare products across price, characteristics, availability, warranty and preferences.
Personal— Future domain direction
Future direction for tasks, projects, preferences and time constraints under explicit authorization.
Future domains are research directions. They are not available products and not demonstrated transferability.
Core test
Architectural discipline
What belongs in the Core?
If the domain disappeared, would the concept still be necessary to NAO?
YES → Core candidateNO → Domain Adapter
The application uses NAO. It does not define NAO.
A function belongs in NAO Core only when its absence would prevent NAO from being a better transversal agent. Otherwise it belongs in a Domain Adapter, external tool or optional layer.
PerceiveRepresentReasonGovernSpecializeObserve outcomeRevise
Governance
Authority boundaries
General intelligence mechanisms do not imply general authority.
NAO can represent beliefs, proposals and possible actions without treating them as authorization. Domain adapters remain subordinate to explicit governance and domain-specific authority boundaries.
BeliefProposalAuthorizationAction
More intelligence should not imply less governance.