"Harnessing Evolution: The Application of Artificial Evolution to Practical Problems"

September 22nd 
Terry Soule - Computer Science

Abstract: Natural evolution has generated an amazing array of organisms to solve the very difficult problems associated with survival. Using a computer to imitate the fundamental aspect of evolution: reproduction, inheritance, and selection, it is possible to harness the evolutionary process to evolve solutions to complex problems. Because of its generality artificial evolution has been applied to a wide range of problems, from robotic navigation, to the generation of cooperation, to games, and even the creation of art. In this presentation I will present a few of the applications of artificial evolution being pursued at the University of Idaho.