Life phenomena are embodied computational processes, and ALIFE is a field that studies evolution and the brain from this perspective. In the past 30 years, diverse computational models have been proposed, and topics such as autopoiesis, homeostasis, and open-ended evolution have been studied by evolutionary robots, swarm agents/robots, artificial chemistry, complex cellular automata, and various evolutionary algorithms. Within the last decade in particular, it is clear that AI research has been accelerated significantly by the emergence of fast and huge computational resources such as deep neural networks. It is equally clear that this progress ushers in a new era for ALIFE research. Some examples of research challenges that might exemplify new frontiers of progress are:
- Can artificial chemical systems represented on a computer exhibit Open Ended Evolution (i.e. evolve while producing new traits indefinitely or even for a long time)?
- Can we create robots that exhibit purpose and gather experience as they interact with in explicit ways resembling a living organism?
- Is it possible to create a group of artificial or real agents that behave as if they are one organism, for example by manipulating metasymbols? Can we develop a new information theory to capture such emergent phenomena?
This call welcomes researchers who are appropriately trained and motivated to tackle these or other bold ideas for understanding how ALIFE can contribute new understanding to life as an outcome of the non-living universe:
Click here to apply to this to this Ideas Lab workshop
This dimension of the call for applicants was generated through expert consultation with Takashi Ikegami, University of Tokyo, Japan
For more information on eligibility, scoring, and other terms and conditions please contact physicstolifequestions@umbc.edu
