Artificial Ant Example (GP)

Artificial ant example. More...

Classes
class	AntEvalOp
	Artificial ant evaluation class (and environment simulator) More...
class	IfFoodAhead
	GP function, checks if the food is ahead. More...
class	MoveAhead
	GP terminal, moves the ant one square ahead. More...
class	Prog2
	GP function, executes 2 subtrees in sequence. More...
class	Prog3
	GP function, executes 3 subtrees in sequence. More...
class	TurnLeft
	GP terminal, turns the ant left. More...
class	TurnRight
	GP terminal, turns the ant right. More...

Detailed Description

Artificial ant example.

Description

Evolves a control program for the artificial ant. The objective is to traverse a given environment and collect as many food items as possible. The ant 'sees' only a single location in front, and can only turn left, right or move forward. The food is eaten if the ant moves in the same location. The environments (food trails) are organized in two files (specified in the config file):

• learning_trails.txt: trails used for learning (ant evolution)
• test_trails.txt: trails used for testing the best evolved ant

Each trail defines its dimensions, the total number of food items and the maximum allowed number of moves. You can add or change the existing trails in those files.

Additional files:

• koza_solution.txt: contains the best solution from Koza 1992 (can be loaded and simulated, see main.cpp)

Function set

• IFA: If there is food ahead, execute the first subtree, else execute the second subtree.
• P2: execute the first subtree and then the second subtree.
• P3: execute all three subtrees in sequence.

Terminal set

• L: Turn 90 degrees left
• R: Turn 90 degrees right
• M: Move one square ahead

Fitness

Number of collected food items, within the maximum number of moves.

Reference

John R. Koza, "Genetic Programming I: On the Programming of Computers by Means of Natural Selection", MIT Press, 1992, pages 147-161.