Obtaining system robustness by mimicking natural mechanisms
Zhan Ping Song, Julian Francis Miller, Andy M. Tyrrell · 2009
Real working agents normally operate in dynamic changing environments. These changes could either affect the efficiency of the agents' performance or even damage the functionality of the agent. Robustness is the key requirement to solve this problem. Inspired by nature, this paper demonstrates two mechanisms that contribute to individual's robustness in changing environments: evolution and degeneracy. Through evolution in damaging environment, evolved agents have to cope with changes in the environment and acquire robustness. Through degeneracy, individuals can maintain their fitness even when some damaged parts are involved in system function.