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Evolutionary robotics as a modelling tool in evolutionary biology

Authors :
Alan F. T. Winfield
Source :
Frontiers in Robotics and AI, Vol 11 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2024.

Abstract

The use of evolutionary robotic systems to model aspects of evolutionary biology is well-established. Yet, few studies have asked the question, “What kind of model is an evolutionary robotic system?” This paper seeks to address that question in several ways. First, it is addressed by applying a structured model description developed for physical robot models of animal sensorimotor systems, then by outlining the strengths and limitations of evolutionary robotics for modelling evolutionary biology, and, finally, by considering the deepest questions in evolution and which of them might feasibly be modelled by evolutionary robotics. The paper concludes that although evolutionary robotics faces serious limitations in exploring deeper questions in evolutionary biology, its bottom-up approach to modelling populations of evolving phenotypes and their embodied interactions holds significant value for both testing and generating hypotheses.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
22969144
Volume :
11
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Robotics and AI
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.290b4ec8f3e4818a8b38635804ccdb4
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/frobt.2024.1278983