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Markov Brains: A Technical Introduction (2017) (arxiv.org)
10 points by reedwolf on Apr 30, 2020 | hide | past | pdf | discuss on HN

In plain words: Markov Brains are evolvable networks built from separate logic pieces rather than identical units in layers; each piece reads sensors, computes, and drives motors, while evolution sets what each does and how they connect. This guide explains how they work, evolve, and are studied.

Abstract · Markov Brains: A Technical Introduction

Markov Brains are a class of evolvable artificial neural networks (ANN). They differ from conventional ANNs in many aspects, but the key difference is that instead of a layered architecture, with each node performing the same function, Markov Brains are networks built from individual computational components. These computational components interact with each other, receive inputs from sensors, and control motor outputs. The function of the computational components, their connections to each other, as well as connections to sensors and motors are all subject to evolutionary optimization. Here we describe in detail how a Markov Brain works, what techniques can be used to study them, and how they can be evolved.

Arend Hintze, Jeffrey A. Edlund, Randal S. Olson, David B. Knoester, Jory Schossau, Larissa Albantakis, Ali Tehrani-Saleh, Peter Kvam, Leigh Sheneman, Heather Goldsby, Clifford Bohm, Christoph Adami
arXiv:1709.05601 · cs.AI, q-bio.NC · submitted Sep 17, 2017
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Also discussed: Jan 2018 (1 point, 0 comments)