Framsticks: Towards a simulation of a nature-like world, creatures and evolution

Abstract

In this paper we describe our attempt to create a nature-like simulation model of artificial creatures. The model includes physical simulation of creatures, their interaction with the environment, their neural network control, and both directed and open-ended evolution. We describe a complex, three-dimensional simulation system, where various fitness criteria can be selected for evolving species, and a spontaneous evolution can be run. The work is still being developed, and we hope to make it a realistic model capable of producing real-life phenomena through an open-ended evolution in a life-like world of stick creatures.