Special Issue – Artificial Life

Citation

Rudall, B.H. (2003), "Special Issue – Artificial Life", Kybernetes, Vol. 32 No. 1/2. https://doi.org/10.1108/k.2003.06732aaa.002

Special Issue – Artificial Life

Special Issue – Artificial Life

This Special Double Issue on Artificial Life, compiled by Dr. Andrew Adamatzky of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences of the University of the West of England, UK, contains contributions by some of the most outstanding scientists, artists and academicians who are engaged in research and development of artificial life, complex software development, virtual reality, multi-agent systems and computer creativity. It provides a most fitting introduction to Volume 32, 2003, which in its ten issues will also contain special compilations and features on a range of current topics that demand the attention of systemists and cyberneticians. These issues will include our usual regular features that deal with contemporary systems and cybernetics, internet commentaries, news, reports and technical discussions as well as the carefully selected and reviewed papers and communications. This volume of over 1,500 pages is, ofcourse, available online as part of a comprehensive multiple access information service.

Some of the concepts and systems introduced in this Special Issue have been considered by Dr. Adamatzky in his role as the Software Reviews Editor of this journal. It is refreshing to read in his editorial that he is more concerned with “doers” and not just “talkers”. We, of course, believe that in cybernetics and systems there is room for both, but certainly after prolonged discussion there should be some evidence of system development or at least attempts to apply the fruits of theoretical researches to the needs of our society. In this special issue Dr. Adamatzky has collected together the work of 11 notables in the field who have not only discussed their special studies but have now entered the real world and have produced viable systems. They are systems that provide interfaces and valuable tools for those who themselves wish to be the “doers” in this innovative technological age.

We believe that the contributions presented here will not only introduce new concepts and systems but will also prove inspirational to those who are engaged in the interdisciplinary endeavours that characterise systems and cybernetics.

Readers will, of course, note that some of the figures published in this Special Issue would have been more illustrative in colour. We believe, however, that this has not detracted from the contributors’ main expositions.

Brian H. RudallEditor-in-Chief