Cerebellar Model Arithmetic Computer (CMAC) is a special neural network architecture that was proposed as a functional model of a certain part of the mammalian brain, which is called the cerebellum.
Cerebellum (from the Latin word “little brain”) is a fist‐sized structure located at the lower back of the brain. It is believed that its main function is to coordinate movements of muscles and joints, but recent evidence suggests that the cerebellum is partially responsible for speech, learning, emotions, and attention.
CMAC as an artificial neural network architecture was introduced by Albus in 1975. This architecture is based on a theory developed independently by D. Marr and J. Albus around 1970. As it was developed as a simple model of the cerebellum, its main task was to control manipulators. Its original name Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller also comes from this first application.