Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2007, Volume 4648/2007, 345-354, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-74913-4_35

Neuroevolution of Agents Capable of Reactive and Deliberative Behaviours in Novel and Dynamic Environments

Edward Robinson, Timothy Ellis and Alastair Channon

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Abstract

Both reactive and deliberative qualities are essential for a good action selection mechanism. We present a model that embodies a hybrid of two very different neural network architectures inside an animat: one that controls their high level deliberative behaviours, such as the selection of sub-goals, and one that provides reactive and navigational capabilities. Animats using this model are evolved in novel and dynamic environments, on complex tasks requiring deliberative behaviours: tasks that cannot be solved by reactive mechanisms alone and which would traditionally have their solutions formulated in terms of search-based planning. Significantly, no a priori information is given to the animats, making explicit forward search through state transitions impossible. The complexity of the problem means that animats must first learn to solve sub-goals without receiving any reward. Animats are shown increasingly complex versions of the task, with the results demonstrating, for the first time, incremental neuro-evolutionary learning on such tasks.

Keywords  Artificial Life - Neural Networks - Incremental Evolution - Reactive and Deliberative Systems - Novel and Dynamic Environments

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