Title: Emergent computation of complex systems: a comprehensive review

Authors: Renbin Xiao; Yaofeng Zhang; Zhendong Huang

Addresses: School of Automation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China ' School of Automation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China; Statistic College, Hubei University of Economics, Wuhan 430205, China ' Statistic College, Hubei University of Economics, Wuhan 430205, China

Abstract: Emergent computation is proposed in the study of self-organisation, collective and cooperative behaviour and it has become an important approach to complex system research with further development of the complexity science. From the perspective of complexity study, this paper reviews and analyses the emergent computation of complex systems, which is intended to deepen the understanding of the mechanism for emergence phenomenon and grasp the development directions of complexity study. At first, the concept, models and research methods of emergent computation are introduced and stated. Furthermore, the layout design problems in complex engineering systems and the collective behaviour issues in complex social systems are chosen as representatives to expand the review. The generation mechanisms of emergent computation in engineering systems are expounded and the emergent computation models of collective behaviour which include synchronisation and public opinion propagation are discussed. Based on the review of research status, further analysis on the existed problems and shortcomings is made and some perspectives on the development trends of future research which relate to emergent computation of complex systems are provided.

Keywords: emergent computation; complex systems; layout design; collective behaviour; self-organisation; cooperation; engineering systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIC.2015.069292

International Journal of Bio-Inspired Computation, 2015 Vol.7 No.2, pp.75 - 97

Received: 22 Nov 2014
Accepted: 24 Nov 2014
Published online: 09 May 2015 *

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