  The ability of a robot to detect and respond to changes in its environment is
potentially very useful, as it draws attention to new and potentially important
features. We describe an algorithm for learning to filter out previously
experienced stimuli to allow further concentration on novel features. The
algorithm uses a model of habituation, a biological process which causes a
decrement in response with repeated presentation. Experiments with a mobile
robot are presented in which the robot detects the most novel stimulus and
turns towards it (`neotaxis').
