Discovering the Competitors

Abstract

This article reports on an experiment that tests whether a particular representation of robotic control processes is adequate for capturing significant variations in robot behavior. These variations can then be explored by a selectionist mechanism that generates and tests variations. An ecosystem modeled after a physical robotic ecosystem is introduced. The ecosystem contains a robot that occasionally has to recharge, as well as competitors that take away energy from the total system. The robot has to discover that its viability requires combating the competitors.