Framsticks
Framsticks is a three-dimensional life simulation
project. Both mechanical structures (“bodies”) and control
systems (“brains”) of creatures are modeled. It is possible
to design various kinds of experiments, including simple optimization
(by evolutionary algorithms), coevolution, open-ended and spontaneous
evolution, distinct gene pools and populations, diverse genotype/phenotype
mappings, and species/ecosystems modeling.
Why we use Framsticks...
Framsticks offers unique possibilities to model co-evolution of populations of individuals. These individuals are embodied and situated creatures: (1) They are embodied in a realisticly simulated 3D physical environment. (2) They are situated in this environment through their neural sensorimotor structures.
These features enable us to study the evolution of social behaviour through synthetic modelling of the evolutionary forces that may have led to (co-operative or competitive) social behaviour.
This modelling does not imply pre-programming simple behavioural rules and look for emergent patterns (like much work in Artificial Life).
Instead, we try to model the evolutionary forces (arising from the -social- evironment) that may have caused the emergence of social behaviour. If such patterns emerge in the course of evolution, we look what kinds of rules may be responsible for it. This analysis of the behaviour of individuals in a population can be through (1) obversation, (2) statistical analysis of quantitive measurements, (3) analysing the neural structures of controllers and their signalling.
By our knowledge, Framsticks is the only simulator that enables us to do so.
Information about Framsticks
Framsticks a project of Maciej Komosinski and Szymon Ulatowski, from the Poznan University of Technology, Poland.
For detailed information about the project, the simulator, or downloads, please refer to the official Framsticks website.
Learn with / about Framsticks
Framsticks is a versatile tool for education and reserach. It can be used in class or in the lab.
Manual
Framsticks is a very versatile system. It is not easy to learn to exploit all features by merely using the system. The full-text Framsticks Manual can help you discover the simulator.
Tutorial
EPFL's Autonomous Systems Lab use it for education about Bio-inspired Adaptive Machines, and have a small on-line tutorial explaining the User Interface, parameters, and genotype encoding (by Francesco Mondana).
Experimentation Center
For newsgroups, experiment definition and many genotypes of Framsticks creatures, see the Framsticks Experimentation Center.
Deathmatch
The Framsticks Deathmatch is an experiment in which several populations of creatures battle for survival. It is created to serve as a tool for learning to work with Framsticks.
A class is divided into several groups of students, and each group gets the assigment to develop a creature to win the Deathmatch. This enables students to exploit the many features of Framsticks is a playful and competitive manner.
The Virtual Life lab is developing this educational method for learning Framsticks in class, in cooperation with Komosinski and Ulatowski.
Software references
Script writing
Framsticks facilitates research by the ability to configure your own experiment definition in a scripting language called FramScript. This enables you to define the number and types of populations, the interaction between individuals and environment, among much more.
See a presentation (html) about script writing (by Szymon Ulatowski) to learn about script writing.
To work with FramScript, you need the check FramScript reference page: Contexts,
objects, methods, and variables.
Genotype Development
More advanced users can adapt the genotype encodings, genetic operators, and more. See the
developers site containing Genotype Developers Kit (GDK).
