Digital Genesis: Computers, Evolution and Artificial Life
It provides a historical overview for researchers in AI and artificial life, but is incremental as it synthesizes existing ideas without new results.
The paper traces the history of applying evolutionary principles to digital systems for creating artificial intelligence and life, from early work by von Neumann and Barricelli, and argues for its ongoing role in future digital development.
The application of evolution in the digital realm, with the goal of creating artificial intelligence and artificial life, has a history as long as that of the digital computer itself. We illustrate the intertwined history of these ideas, starting with the early theoretical work of John von Neumann and the pioneering experimental work of Nils Aall Barricelli. We argue that evolutionary thinking and artificial life will continue to play an integral role in the future development of the digital world.