Artificial LIfe ENvironment

Artificial LIfe ENvironment (ALIEN) is an artificial life simulation tool based on a specialized 2D particle engine in CUDA for soft bodies and fluids. Each simulated body consists of a network of particles that can be upgraded with higher-level functions, ranging from pure information processing capabilities to physical equipment (such as sensors, muscles, weapons, constructors, etc.) whose executions are orchestrated by neural networks. The bodies can be thought of as agents or digital organisms operating in a common environment. Their blueprints can be stored in genomes and passed on to offspring.

The simulation code is written entirely in CUDA and optimized for large-scale real-time simulations with millions of particles. The development is driven by the desire to better understand the conditions for (pre-)biotic evolution and the growing complexity of biological systems. An important goal is to make the simulator user-friendly through a modern user interface, visually appealing rendering and a playful approach.

? Main features

Physics and graphics engine

• Particles for simulating soft and rigid body mechanics, fluids, heat dissipation, damage, adhesion etc.
• Real-time user interactions with running simulations
• Simulation runs entirely on GPU via CUDA
• Rendering and post-processing via OpenGL using CUDA-OpenGL interoperability

Artificial Life engine extensions

• Multi-cellular organisms are simulated as particle networks
• Genetic system and cell by cell construction of offspring
• Neural networks for controlling higher-level functions (e.g. sensors and muscles)
• Various colors may be used to customize cell types according to own specifications
• Support for spatially varying simulation parameters

Extensive editing tools

• Graph editor for manipulating every particle and connection
• Freehand and geometric drawing tools
• Genetic editor for designing customized organisms
• Mass-operations and (up/down) scaling functions

Networking

• Built-in simulation browser
• Download and upload simulation files
• Upvote simulations by giving stars