Self-organization based on nonlinear nonequilibrium. Dynamics of autonomous agents

Abstract

This paper discusses a study on the mechanism of self-organization. A global order is organized by the simple and locally coordinated actions of autonomous agents using only local information, so complex or globally coordinated actions which use global communication and high-level strategies are not necessary. The fundamental factors for establishing a global order using self-organization are a “dissipative structure,” an “autocatalysis mechanism,” and “intentional fluctuations.” If an environment where there are agents has a dissipative structure and those agents have some sort of autocatalysis and intentional fluctuation mechanisms within themselves, it is possible to form a global order for them using only their simple and locally coordinated actions. “The blind-hunger dilemma” is used as an example to simulate the self-organization and coordinated actions of agents. In this simulation environment, there are many ant-like agents which must get energy. However, there is only one small energy supply base, so either an efficient method or the coordinated actions of agents is needed. As a result, the agents using our approach could move and get energy more efficiently than agents using conventional coordination mechanisms involving global communication and high-level strategies.