Unexpected emergent behaviors from elementary swarms

摘要

Swarms are collections of loosely coupled distinct agents each following simple rules. Swarms do not use central coordination AND individual agents need not be aware of the swarm's overall function. As each agent performs its task, the swarm collective can display unusual and unexpected emergent behaviors. For those swarms defying analytic evaluation, simulation remains as the only method to reveal emergent behavior. A number of swarms are simulated each with no more than simple rules to follow. Each simulation reveals an interesting and often surprising emergent behavior. Termites clear areas and stack wood chips, gnats naturally confine themselves to swarm inside a circle of fixed area and sand piles develop instabilities and avalanche. Possibly the most interesting simulation is predator swarms pursuing swarms of prey in a game we dub bullies and dweebs. Individual bullies can be ineffective in killing dweebs, for example, whereas a mob of bullies can be highly effective. Addition of stochastic component to dweeb motion in a swarm is essential for prolonging dweeb life. The swarms are illustrated using screen shots of the swarm dynamics. More interesting and insightful videos of the swarming are available on NeoSwarm.com.