Evolving an Artificial Homeostatic System

Theory presented by Ashby states that the process of homeostasis is directly related to intelligence and to the ability of an individual in successfully adapting to dynamic environments or disruptions. This paper presents an artificial homeostatic system under evolutionary control, composed of an extended model of the GasNet artificial neural network framework, named NSGasNet, and an artificial endocrine system. Mimicking properties of the neuro-endocrine interaction, the system is shown to be able to properly coordinate the behaviour of a simulated agent that, presents internal dynamics and is devoted to explore the scenario without endangering its essential organization. Moreover, sensorimotor disruptions are applied, impelling the system to adapt in order to maintain some variables within limits, ensuring the agent survival. It is envisaged that the proposed framework is a step towards the design of a generic model for coordinating more complex behaviours, and potentially coping with further severe disruptions.