title: From evolutionary computation to the evolution of things.
abstract: Evolution has provided a source of inspiration for algorithm designers since the birth of computers. The resulting field, evolutionary computation, has been successful in solving engineering tasks ranging in outlook from the molecular to the astronomical. Today, the field is entering a new phase as evolutionary algorithms that take place in hardware are developed, opening up new avenues towards autonomous machines that can adapt to their environment. We discuss how evolutionary computation compares with natural evolution and what its benefits are relative to other computing approaches, and we introduce the emerging area of artificial evolution in physical systems.
authors.affiliation: VU University Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1081a, 1081HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Agoston E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Eiben
authors.affiliation: University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK.
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000465:Algorithms; D001331:Automation; D005075:Biological Evolution; D032701:Biomimetics; D003201:Computers / Q000639:trends; D005838:Genotype; D008433:Mathematics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000639:trends; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011340:Problem Solving; D012371:Robotics