Soda Constructor: Rewritten in JS | Free for Classrooms

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a Java applet called Soda Constructor that has been rewritten in JavaScript, making it freely available for classroom use. The original concept involved a genetic algorithm (GA) to evolve a virtual creature's movement, which the author successfully implemented in C++. The author also referenced using the "Dainty Walker" as a base for their genetic algorithm, allowing the virtual creature to adapt and improve its locomotion over randomized terrain. The conversation highlights the educational potential of such tools in programming and evolutionary algorithms.

PREREQUISITES
  • JavaScript programming
  • Understanding of genetic algorithms
  • Familiarity with virtual simulations
  • Basic knowledge of evolutionary biology concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore JavaScript frameworks for educational simulations
  • Research advanced genetic algorithm techniques
  • Learn about Processing.org and its applications in creative coding
  • Investigate the implementation of evolutionary algorithms in C++
USEFUL FOR

Educators, software developers, and students interested in programming, evolutionary algorithms, and interactive simulations will benefit from this discussion.

RentonPhysics
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Thanks for sharing this.

There are also some cool programs at Processing.org that do similar kinds of things in Java, Python and Javascript.
 
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I love that thing. I rewrote it in C++ a long time ago. I implemented a genetic algorithm for all of the springs and lengths and stuff so it evolved a super fast runner.
 
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newjerseyrunner said:
I love that thing. I rewrote it in C++ a long time ago. I implemented a genetic algorithm for all of the springs and lengths and stuff so it evolved a super fast runner.

Cool! GA - that was the idea of original author of Soda as well. Did you capture some videos of these evolutions? Was it hard to control? It's extremely interesting to me :)
 
RentonPhysics said:
Cool! GA - that was the idea of original author of Soda as well. Did you capture some videos of these evolutions? Was it hard to control? It's extremely interesting to me :)
No unfortunately, I didn't. I remember I used the "Dainty Walker" as a base, and evolved from that. I remember that the front legs got shorter and the bag legs got bigger and more powerful. I just let it walk across a randomized terrain and bred the 50% that got the furthest.
 
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An interesting variation would be to develop an app that simulated the Interstellar robot TARS' gait.

 
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newjerseyrunner said:
No unfortunately, I didn't. I remember I used the "Dainty Walker" as a base, and evolved from that. I remember that the front legs got shorter and the bag legs got bigger and more powerful. I just let it walk across a randomized terrain and bred the 50% that got the furthest.

it sounds similar to this app
 
RentonPhysics said:
it sounds similar to this app
It acted a lot like that.
 
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