Evolving Cutting Horse and Sheepdog Behavior on a Simulated Flock Chris Beacham

Abstract The focus of this project is attempting to evolve the behavior of a single agent or small group of agents so that they can effectively direct the movement of a much larger group. This is very similar to the roles cowboys and sheepdogs take to manage their livestock.

Other Research There has been little development in this field. A lot has been focused on flocking, but not much on controlling flock movement.

Uses This project could have two foreseen applications: Animation – the current method of controlling flock direction for animation is quite crude. An invisible sheepdog might be very useful. Enhanced control of livestock – This is more unlikely. It’s possible that this project could yield new techniques for controlling flocks that are applicable to real life.

Sheepdog and Cutting Horse The sheepdog is used to direct the movements of sheep, ducks, cows, goats and other herd stock. It accomplishes this by moving around the herd or flock in specific ways. The cutting horse is used with herds of cattle. It’s job is to single out a single cow, and “cut” it off from the herd, thus allowing farmers to access it.

Flocking The herd will be simulated with a flocking algorithm. Three algorithms make up flocking behavior: Separation Cohesion Alignment

Progress So far, energy has been focused on making an instance of flocking behavior. This is a screenshot of a flock flying to the right.

Precursors Initially, an evolution program was written to fine tune the authors understanding of artificial evolution. This is a genepool of evolved creatures.

Programming Tools Python is being used for the code, with tKinter providing the graphics. Breve was looked at as a possibility, but it was dismissed for being to complex and not documented.