Theoretical computer scientists, what can we do with composable cellular automata?
Theoretical computer scientists, what can we do with composable cellular automata?
So you all know from my last post what composability is about. To sum up the last post on what composability is, if we look at the way nature works we know everything is made up of smaller simpler parts. We know atoms make up all of us but the arrangement being different is what creates the diversity of life we see. This atomic nature of reality producing emergent complexity is a good highlight for what composibility is.
Composable cellular automata takes it to the next logic step. If we want to create "digital life" we can do so by using cellular automata. This digital life evolves according to the initial conditions which we will call the rules to the game of life. The composable part is in the rules. If we would like, we can play designer and by manipulating the symbols which represent different combinations of rules, we may generate all kinds of diverse and complex digital species.
If we look at our genetic code, it too includes rules for how we emerge or unravel on both the species level as well as the individual level. To have composable cellular automata is to in a way use the digital space as an environment to test many different conditions to simulate digital life through generations.
Observe the videos below to get a grasp on what is possible
2d cellular automata:
3d cellular automata:
4d ceullar automata:
And here is what it sounds like for those who prefer or require audio:
And if you'd like to see some thing cute:
Using this technology I would think we can grow new designs through simulation. We simply let the digital life come up with stuff to create a process of "artificial innovation". We then take the best or most creative solutions that the digital life came up with as a source of inspiration.
Finally watch this video for some more info on cellular automata:
Reference
Mayer, G. R., & Sarjoughian, H. S. (2009). Composable cellular automata. Simulation, 85(11-12), 735-749.
Thanks for the videos. This reminds me of my time working as a Software Engineer in an AI Lab. I studied CA but expanded it into the real world by creating "ProBlocks" - my term for identical cubes with microcontrollers inside and electromagnets for attracting and joining up with others.
The blocks are floating in a liquid and one block is provided with the arrangement plan for the structure to be self-assembled, along with what block it is, in the plan. It figures out which faces to make attractive and when another block floats to the face, it gets attached and told the plan and what block it is, in the plan. So on, until the entire thing is created. Slightly like how DNA and other biochemistry somehow tells cells something about structure and where they are in it, as a fertilized egg grows into a person.
I made graphic simulations of the blocks self-assembling into structures from the inside out. It was very cool to see, at the time! I built some hardware but didn't get a complete system going. Maybe my crypto adventures will fund further experimentation. :)
I had a website describing my ProBlocks some time ago, but I think it's offline now. I'll have t bring it back someday, for anyone who might be interested. It's great to follow all the research in AI, AL, robotics and related fields. Progress is being made but I still haven't seen my self-assembly concepts implemented yet. I guess its still up to me to get it created. :)
Hi Kenny.. Being a constant follower.. how do I get a resteem from you please ???
Wow this is a great informative and educational post. I will take ur post and drop it on my discord channel for upvotes and challenge. Thank you.
evolving robots is pretty dope, can't imagine where tech's gonna be even 5 years from now