Overview
Explore the future of computing through the lens of artificial life in this thought-provoking lecture by David Ackley. Delve into John von Neumann's unfulfilled prediction about the evolution of computers and examine how principles from living systems can address current limitations in computer architecture. Discover potential solutions to the 'clock speed wall' performance limit and computer security issues by embracing bottom-up autonomy and ecological robustness. Gain insights into the history of computing, artificial life applications in computer architecture, and witness demonstrations of innovative computing approaches. Learn about binary numbers, universal computation, robustness, and the concept of living systems in relation to computer design. Examine alternative computing paradigms, including the "Define Defend Attack" and "Plan B" approaches, and explore practical implementations through discussions on motherboards, tiles, and various components like emitters, consumers, and sorters.
Syllabus
Introduction
The way we compute today
Action item
Conclusions
The Alternative
The Two Approaches
Define Defend Attack
Plan B
Binary Numbers
Universal Computation
Robustness
Artificial Life
Definitions
Life
Living Systems
Computer Architecture
What is a Computer
Motherboard
Demo
Tile
Plug and Play
Schematic
Tiles
Dregg
Emitter
Consumers
Sorters
Consumer
Dragan
Generalized Crystal
Taught by
Santa Fe Institute