Increasing the adversarial robustness and explainability of capsule networks with $\gamma$-capsules

Abstract

In this paper we introduce a new inductive bias for capsule networks and call networks that use this prior $\gamma$-capsule networks. Our inductive bias that is inspired by TE neurons of the inferior temporal cortex increases the adversarial robustness and the explainability of capsule networks. A theoretical framework with formal definitions of $\gamma$-capsule networks and metrics for evaluation are also provided. Under our framework we show that common capsule networks do not necessarily make use of this inductive bias. For this reason we introduce a novel routing algorithm and use a different training algorithm to be able to implement $\gamma$-capsule networks. We then show experimentally that $\gamma$-capsule networks are indeed more transparent and more robust against adversarial attacks than regular capsule networks.