A framework and simulation engine for studying artificial life

Abstract

The area of computer-generated artificial life-forms is a relatively recent
\nfield of inter-disciplinary study that involves mathematical modelling, physical
\nintuition and ideas from chemistry and biology and computational science.
\nAlthough the attribution of “life” to non biological systems is still controversial,
\nseveral groups agree that certain emergent properties can be ascribed to
\ncomputer simulated systems that can be constructed to “live” in a simulated
\nenvironment. In this paper we discuss some of the issues and infrastructure
\nnecessary to construct a simulation laboratory for the study of computer generated
\nartificial life-forms. We review possible technologies and present some
\npreliminary studies based around simple models.