Title Artificial Evolution: From Digital to Physical
Speaker Prof. Dr. AE (Gusz) Eiben
Chair Andy Tyrrell

Abstract
Evolution is one of the major powers in the universe that has been studied for about two centuries. Computers, invented in the 20th century, made it possible to move from passively understanding to actively using evolutionary processes as tools in digital spaces. The related area is called Evolutionary Computing. I argue that in the 21st century (probably in the near future) it will be possible to implement and employ artificial evolutionary processes outside such imaginary spaces, in real time and real space. In other words, I envision the ‘Evolution of Things’ and call the new field Embodied Artificial Evolution. In this talk I will elaborate on this vision, consider the grand challenges it implies, and explain why these developments will radically change our lives. Last but not least, I will discuss the ethical consequences of Embodied Artificial Evolution.

Biography
Gusz Eiben’s academic research lies within computational intelligence or natural computing with evolutionary computing as the binding factor, see the thematic overview on the right hand side of his web page. He has been involved in various European research projects: EvoNet I (Esprit 20996), EvoNet II (FP5, IST-1999-14087), DREAM (FP5, IST-1999-12679), NEW TIES (FP6-502386), SYMBRION (FP7-ICT-2007.8.2), EVOBODY (FP7-258334), OPTI-FOX (FP7-123456), AWARE (FP7-123456).

Further to academic research, he has worked in business intelligence R&D projects, including data warehousing and data mining for feature selection, creditibility assessment, direct marketing, customer retention analysis, sensory data analysis, e-business, etc. Much of this work is unpublished.