Document Type
Article
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems continue to evolve rapidly. From the architecture perspective, it is evolving from large, monolithic models trained on massive internet data to complex, multi-component “compound” systems and “agentic” frameworks capable of semi-autonomous decision-making. These systems show immense promise yet face numerous challenges in reliability, consistency, transparency, and alignment with user goals. In this article, we propose Custom, Compact and Composite AI with Neurosymbolic (C3AN) approach, a framework that paves way to 4th-generation of AI that integrates data, knowledge, and human expertise to build robust, intelligent and trustworthy AI systems defined by 14 foundation elements.
Custom emphasizes the focus on high-quality, domain-specific data and knowledge, along with tailored workflows and user or application-specific constraints. Compact highlights resource-conscious implementation that does not require extreme scale to achieve reliable domain adaptation. Composite refers to the integration of multiple AI modules that collaboratively perform domain-specific tasks, handling data, knowledge, and human expert feedback within a cohesive Neurosymbolic framework. Together, these qualities address longstanding issues in large, monolithic, or purely black-box models. We illustrate the foundation elements of C3AN in two complex AI systems with demands representative of enterprise class and/or mission critical applications: (1) Nourich, a disease-specific diet management system that recommends recipes based on users’ health condition and food preferences, and (2) MAIC (MTSS AI Concierge), which operates in the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) domain for mental health and behavioral interventions to support health workers with different roles. We conclude by outlining practical challenges and future research directions to foster robust, multi-domain adoption of C3AN.
Publication Info
Preprint version 2025.
APA Citation
Sheth, A., Roy, K., Venkataramanan, R., & Nadimuthu, V. (n.d.). C 3AN: Custom, Compact and Composite AI Systems -A NeuroSymbolic Approach: 4 th -Generation Evolution of Intelligent Systems.
Rights
© 2025, Amit P. Sheth, Kaushik Roy; Revathy Venkataramanan; and Venkatesan Nadimuthu
