The evolved radio and its implications for modelling the evolution of novel sensors

Abstract

Sensor evolution research typically uses evolutionary algorithms (EAs) to generate sensors that near-optimally satisfy large numbers of constraints. This is qualitatively different from the phylogenetic process found in nature that has resulted, for example, in the mammalian auditory ossicles evolving from the jaw bones of amphibians and reptiles, that in turn had previously acted as gill arches in fish. This paper describes an evolvable hardware experiment that resulted in a network of transistors sensing and utilising the radio waves emanating from nearby PCs. We argue that this evolved 'radio' is only the second device ever whose sensors were constructed in a way that in key aspects is analogous to that found in nature. We highlight the advantages and disadvantages of this approach and show why it is practically impossible to implement a similar process in simulation.