Evolutionary graph models with dynamic topologies on the ubichip

Abstract

The ubichip is a reconfigurable digital circuit with special reconfiguration mechanisms, such as dynamic routing and self-replication, for supporting the implementation of bio-inspired hardware systems. The dynamic routing mechanism allows to create and destroy interconnections between remote units in a distributed fashion, thus proving useful for implementing cellular systems featuring dynamic topologies. Evolutionary graph theory investigates genetic and cultural evolution processes using the mathematical formalism of both evolutionary game and graph theory. Populations are embedded in graphs representing interaction and imitation links. Payoffs are assigned and successful individuals are imitated with high probability. This paper describes the hardware implementation of a general evolutionary graph model in which the imitation network changes over time by exploiting the dynamic routing capabilities of the ubichip. As a particular example, we analyze the case of a coordination game played by agents arranged in a cycle in which imitation links are randomly created so as to simulate dynamic small-world networks. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.