A genetic algorithm discovers particle-based computation in cellular automata (original) (raw)

Abstract

How does evolution produce sophisticated emergent computation in systems composed of simple components limited to local interactions? To model such a process, we used a genetic algorithm (GA) to evolve cellular automata to perform a computational task requiring globally-coordinated information processing. On most runs a class of relatively unsophisticated strategies was evolved, but on a subset of runs a number of quite sophisticated strategies was discovered. We analyze the emergent logic underlying these strategies in terms of information processing performed by “particles” in space-time, and we describe in detail the generational progression of the GA evolution of these strategies. Our analysis is a preliminary step in understanding the general mechanisms by which sophisticated emergent computational capabilities can be automatically produced in decentralized multiprocessor systems.

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. J. P. Crutchfield. The calculi of emergence: Computation, dynamics, and induction. Physica D, in press.
    Google Scholar
  2. J. P. Crutchfield (1994). Is anything ever new? Considering emergence. In G. Cowan, D. Pines, and D. Melzner (editors), Complexity: Metaphors, Models, and Reality, 479–497. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
    Google Scholar
  3. J. P. Crutchfield and J. E. Hanson (1993). Turbulent Pattern Bases for Cellular Automata. Physica D, 69:279–301.
    Google Scholar
  4. J. P. Crutchfield and M. Mitchell (1994). The Evolution of Emergent Computation. Working Paper 94-03-012, Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
    Google Scholar
  5. S. Forrest (1990). Emergent Computation: Self-organizing, collective, and cooperative behavior in natural and artificial computing networks: Introduction to the Proceedings of the Ninth Annual CNLS Conference. Physica D, 42:1–11.
    Google Scholar
  6. P. Gacs (1985). Nonergodic one-dimensional media and reliable computation. Contemporary Mathematics. 41:125.
    Google Scholar
  7. J. E. Hanson and J. P. Crutchfield (1992). The attractor-basin portrait of a cellular automaton. Journal of Statistical Physics, 66(5/6): 1415–1462.
    Article Google Scholar
  8. C. G. Langten, C. Taylor, J. D. Farmer, and S. Rasmussen (editors) (1992). Artificial Life II. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
    Google Scholar
  9. M. Mitchell, J. P. Crutchfield, and P. T. Hraber. Evolving cellular automata to perform computations: Mechanisms and impediments. Physica D, in press.
    Google Scholar
  10. M. Mitchell, P. T. Hraber and J. P. Crutchfield (1993). Revisiting the edge of chaos: Evolving cellular automata to perform computations. Complex Systems, 7:89–130.
    Google Scholar
  11. N. H. Packard (1988). Adaptation toward the edge of chaos. In J. A. S. Kelso, A. J. Mandell, and M. F. Shlesinger (editors), Dynamic Patterns in Complex Systems, 293–301. Singapore: World Scientific.
    Google Scholar
  12. T. Toffoli and N. Margolus (1987). Cellular automata machines: A new environment for modeling. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
    Google Scholar
  13. S. Wolfram (1986). Theory and applications of cellular automata. Singapore: World Scientific.
    Google Scholar

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Santa Fe Institute, 1660 Old Pecos Trail, Suite A, 87501, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
    Rajarshi Das & Melanie Mitchell
  2. Physics Department, University of California, 94720, Berkeley, CA, USA
    James P. Crutchfield

Authors

  1. Rajarshi Das
    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar
  2. Melanie Mitchell
    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar
  3. James P. Crutchfield
    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Yuval Davidor Hans-Paul Schwefel Reinhard Männer

Rights and permissions

© 1994 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Das, R., Mitchell, M., Crutchfield, J.P. (1994). A genetic algorithm discovers particle-based computation in cellular automata. In: Davidor, Y., Schwefel, HP., Männer, R. (eds) Parallel Problem Solving from Nature — PPSN III. PPSN 1994. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 866. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-58484-6\_278

Download citation

Publish with us