Alt-BEAM Archive

Message #03619



To: beam@corp.sgi.com
From: Steven Bolt sbolt@xs4all.nl
Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 18:06:19 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: [alt-beam] BEAM and machine evolution


On Sun, 23 May 1999, Sean Rigter wrote:

> Any discussion of evolution normally requires careful communication in
> order to avoid strong reactions or misunderstandings about this
> controversial topic. But on the Beam list this discussion ought to be
> easy! Beam is about learning and learning is evolution!

Perhaps. I'd like to offer a few observations:

1) Robotics based on MicroCores, BiCores and so on can't evolve,
because this technology doesn't scale well, if at all. Making the
xxxCores larger or adding them together does not result in a robot
which does significantly more than the previous one.

2) BEAMer knowledge has difficulty expanding, because of the curious
accent on tinkering as opposed to design. For instance, there is no
way to get the various 2-transistor SEs `right', because there are
fundamental problems with that design, which no amount of tinkering
can solve. Hence these supposedly simple devices will forever be
a source of much frustration.

3) BEAM is based on the "mushroom style of teaching" (put them in
the dark, feed them shit and watch them grow). What leads to this
observation are statements like "first build the basic SE, get it
right, and then progress to more complex things," and "robots
based on xxxCores will evolve into something more capable."
For the individual budding roboticist, BEAM achieves its purpose
when he or she understands the limits of what's known as "BEAM
tech."

4) Evolution only happens to machines which can be designed,
because they don't make themselves; we have to make them.
And designs can evolve only when terms like modularity,
predictability and scaleability apply.

Best,

Steve

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# sbolt@xs4all.nl # Steven Bolt # popular science monthly KIJK #
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