Heredity, Complexity, and Surprise: Embedded Self-Replication and Evolution in CA

Abstract. This paper reviews the history of embedded, evolvable selfreplicating structures implemented as cellular automata systems. We relate recent advances in this field to the concept of the evolutionary growth of complexity, a term introduced by McMullin to describe the central idea contained in von Neumann’s self-reproducing automata theory. We show that conditions for such growth are in principle satisfied by universal constructors, yet that in practice much simpler replicators may satisfy scaled-down — yet equally relevant — versions thereof. Examples of such evolvable self-replicators are described and discussed, and future challenges identified.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: ACRI
• Authors: Chris Salzberg, Hiroki Sayama
• Keywords: ACRI 2004, Cellular Automata Systems, Evolvable Selfreplicating Structures, Neumann’s Self-reproducing Automata