Soda Constructor: Rewritten in JS | Free for Classrooms

AI Thread Summary
A Java applet called Soda Constructor has been rewritten in JavaScript and is now available for free classroom use. The original concept involved a genetic algorithm to evolve a fast runner, which the author implemented in C++. Discussions highlight the evolution of the "Dainty Walker" and its adaptations for improved performance. There is interest in creating simulations based on the robot TARS from "Interstellar." The conversation emphasizes the educational potential and creative applications of such programming projects.
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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