Artificial Life Forms Evolve Basic Memory, Strategy

[unity100]

http://tech.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=...08/0110222

"An evolutionary algorithm was used to derive a control strategy for simulated robot soccer players. The results are interesting — after a few hundred generations, the robots learn to defend, pass, and score — amazing considering that there was no trainer in the system; the self-organizing differentiated behavior of the players emerged solely out of the evolutionary process."

[Questioner]

It's "amazing" only if one assumes that effective behavior can only come about through a master-planned system of micro-managed tiny substeps.

The brains of humans and animals provide abundant proof that self-reinforcing neural networks are powerful tools. They are proven successful at learning new behaviors and re-using behaviors across multiple contexts, all driven by holistic pattern recognition without a master "operating system" overseeing their operation.

These concepts were well published online, in science and engineering texts, and in pop-science books for the general public, decades ago. Many great discoveries and inventions get buried until later generations re-invent them with better promotion. An example is the invention of 3D computer animation back in 1963. Same thing with the evolutionary neural networks... it's not something new this year.

By the way, I wonder when the forum software decided to change me from a "senior member" to a "posting freak."

[βαθμιαίος]

By the way, I wonder when the forum software decided to change me from a "senior member" to a "posting freak."

Must be because you hit 750 posts. You can change it if you want.

[Questioner]

I just evolved basic memory, strategy... give me some time before taking on such a daunting challenge.

[βαθμιαίος]

When you get so far, just click on your username, go to My Dashboard, and click Edit Your Profile.

[Questioner]

If I knew that's all it took to evolve memory and strategy I'd have clicked there long ago.