Co-evolution of Sensor Morphology and Behavior

Terence Soule, Barrie D. Robison, Robert B. Heckendorn

Abstract: This research tests the co-evolvability of sensor morphology and behavior as a function of the sensing modality (scent versus touch). The results show that the evolved sensor morphology and behavior are tightly coupled and influenced by sensor type and environment. Implying that co-evolution of physical morphology, behavior, and sensor morphology can generate better performance than using fixed sensor morphologies, but that this is often a more difficult task than evolving physical morphology for a fixed behavior or vice versa.