Title: Bio-inspired computing: constituents and challenges

Authors: Rajendra Akerkar, Priti Srinivas Sajja

Addresses: Department of Computer and Information Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Sem Saelandsvei 7-9, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway. ' Department of Computer Science, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar 388 120, Gujarat, India

Abstract: Nature has remedies for almost all problems. Though biological systems exhibits organised, complex and intelligent behaviour, they comprise of simple elements and governed by simple rules. Hence, mimicking such systems has been the attraction of researchers in the fields of computer science, neuroscience and biology for a long time. Generating complex behaviour from small agents working locally following simple rules is a highly cost-effective solution of the real life problem. Bio-inspired computing can be achieved through different models such as stochastic, ad hoc or discrete models; new paradigm inspired from nature like evolutionary approach and immune systems; and new platform, novel architecture and specially designed material such as artificial fuel cell. The consortium of bio-inspired computing are artificial neural networks, evolutionary algorithms, swarm intelligence, artificial immune systems, fractal geometry, artificial life, DNA computing and quantum computing, etc. This article discusses consortium of bio-inspired computing along with applications and research scope. In spite of having advantages offered by partial simulation of natural intelligence, there are some limitations of the bio-inspired computing that need to be addressed. These challenges include creation of new model, techniques and platforms for bio-inspired computing. This article concludes with the challenges to be explored in the field.

Keywords: artificial life; natural computing; bio-inspired computing; artificial neural networks; ANNs; evolutionary algorithms; soft computing; swarm intelligence; artificial immune system; bio-inspired physical processes; bio-inspired chemical procedures; fractal geometry; DNA computing; quantum computing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIC.2009.023810

International Journal of Bio-Inspired Computation, 2009 Vol.1 No.3, pp.135 - 150

Published online: 12 Mar 2009 *

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