English

Evolving the Behavior of Machines: From Micro to Macroevolution

Neural and Evolutionary Computing 2020-12-23 v1 Robotics Adaptation and Self-Organizing Systems Populations and Evolution

Abstract

Evolution gave rise to creatures that are arguably more sophisticated than the greatest human-designed systems. This feat has inspired computer scientists since the advent of computing and led to optimization tools that can evolve complex neural networks for machines -- an approach known as "neuroevolution". After a few successes in designing evolvable representations for high-dimensional artifacts, the field has been recently revitalized by going beyond optimization: to many, the wonder of evolution is less in the perfect optimization of each species than in the creativity of such a simple iterative process, that is, in the diversity of species. This modern view of artificial evolution is moving the field away from microevolution, following a fitness gradient in a niche, to macroevolution, filling many niches with highly different species. It already opened promising applications, like evolving gait repertoires, video game levels for different tastes, and diverse designs for aerodynamic bikes.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2012.11692,
  title  = {Evolving the Behavior of Machines: From Micro to Macroevolution},
  author = {Jean-Baptiste Mouret},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2012.11692},
  year   = {2020}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-23T21:10:11.747Z