Emergence of Collective Behavior in Evolving Populations of Flying Agents

  • Authors:
  • Lee Spector;Jon Klein;Chris Perry;Mark Feinstein

  • Affiliations:
  • School of Cognitive Science, Hampshire College, Amherst, USA 01002;Aff1 Aff2;School of Cognitive Science, Hampshire College, Amherst, USA 01002;School of Cognitive Science, Hampshire College, Amherst, USA 01002

  • Venue:
  • Genetic Programming and Evolvable Machines
  • Year:
  • 2005

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Abstract

We demonstrate the emergence of collective behavior in two evolutionary computation systems, one an evolutionary extension of a classic (highly constrained) flocking algorithm and the other a relatively un-constrained system in which the behavior of agents is governed by evolved computer programs. The first system demonstrates the evolution of a form of multicellular organization, while the second demonstrates the evolution of a form of altruistic food sharing. In this article we describe both systems in detail, document the emergence of collective behavior, and argue that these systems present new opportunities for the study of group dynamics in an evolutionary context. We also provide a brief overview of the breve simulation environment in which the systems were produced, and of breve's facilities for the rapid, exploratory development of visualization strategies for artificial life.