[Ultron]

Now this is some really fascinating stuff...


http://rednuht.org/genetic_cars_2/


This fella created an algorithm that creates polygons on wheels and throws them on a track - much like those 2D motorcycle race minigames out there, except that these 'vehicles' drive themselves and over time they evolve to be able to pass all the obstacles.



You can change quite a few parameters and even edit the code yourself - some guys have changed the amount of wheels (the variable is located in a .js file I think).


It really got me thinking on A.I. evolution - and these 'cars' seem pretty smart and live to me, even though I know that 'they' are a bunch of algorithms that change the shape and size of polygon networks. It also made me believe that A.I. can evolve a lot faster then us, and robots would also have the advantage of learning from our mistakes and get a head start (they would begin from where we are now).


I almost said that not being able to feel pain is also an advantage they would have over us, but I realized that is not true - without being able to sense pain, you can't figure out whether or not something is harmful to you, thus you would not be able to evolve stronger body parts or instinctive defense mechanisms.


Note: It took my 'vehicles' to 25 successive generations to reach the 171m record of the 6th generation. I have been running it for approximately 15 minutes. http://prntscr.com/64ytur

[ranch vermin]

ga's are excellent, definitely going to part of the future technology arsenal.

[Ultron]

Also just found this: http://boxcar2d.com/

It is older and the developer of 'genetic cars' said that the inspiration came from there, while their only technical connection is having the same physics engine (box2d).

Also, BoxCar2D actually enables the car to brake.

[Art]

And if these small programs can learn, then so can the bigger ones! The AI's are coming folks...give them time but they are on the way. There's no stopping the march of exploration and progress.

Nice find Ultron

[ranch vermin]

It thrills me!