A Systematic Review of Research Gaps and Future Directions for Generalizable Autonomous Systems for Causal and Neuro-Symbolic Artificial Intelligence

Authors

  • S. Hassain
  • Joy Kumar

Keywords:

Causal artificial intelligence, Explainable artificial intelligence, Generalizable autonomous systems, Neuro-symbolic learning, Self-learning autonomous intelligence

Abstract

Autonomous artificial intelligence systems continue to rely heavily on correlation-based learning mechanisms. The limited application of causal learning mechanisms has resulted in poor causal reasoning, low logical consistency, low adaptability, and low transparency in autonomous decision formation. This systematic review aims to critically evaluate existing research with respect to the incorporation of autonomous artificial intelligence models with causal representation learning mechanisms for effective decision formation, neural learning with symbolic reasoning for logical consistency, and generalization with respect to unseen operational scenarios. The quantitative synthesis has revealed that fewer than 30% of artificial intelligence models incorporate causal modelling mechanisms, while integrated neuro-symbolic models are limited to 25% of intelligent system frameworks. In addition, almost 60% of frameworks are found to be devoid of continuous self-learning mechanisms with respect to adaptive feedback, while more than 65% are found to be devoid of interpretable reasoning chains with respect to autonomous decision formation. The gaps with respect to autonomous artificial intelligence frameworks highlight the need for integrated frameworks with respect to unified causal-neuro-symbolic models with self-learning, explainable, and generalizable characteristics.

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Published

2026-07-15