I came across this flash based genetic algorithm on Hack A Day.
If you are unfamiliar with genetic programming, the concept is for a program to "evolve" a solution to a given problem. A random population of candidates is generated and each is scored against each other and the fittest survive to the next generation where they are again randomly modified. With enough time and a good scoring system you can evolve a solution, this little flash app perfectly illustrates the concept.
In this instance flash tries to evolve a car where the red dots (passengers) are protected from the bumpy road. The score is based on how long the passengers survive without touching the bumpy road.
I find this field of programming extremely interesting. The kinds of problems that can be solved with this approach is potentially unlimited. Specifically, I would love to see more projects combining genetic algorithms with robotic control systems which would replace the tedious motion routines. Imagine a genetically programmed robot that could learn to move for itself with any hardware while keeping itself charged and preforming tasks.
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