The Value of Neural-based Swarm Rules

James J. Anderson

University of Washington, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences and Bertrand H. Lemasson and R. Andrew Goodwin Environmental Laboratory, U.S. Army Engineer R&D Center

TITLE: The Value of Neural-based Swarm Rules

ABSTRACT: The rapid coordination observed in flocks of birds and schools of fish have long been a focus in studies of swarm intelligence. These animal groups experience constant changes in their social and physical environments, yet readily adapt to disturbances. It has been proposed that the networks underlying cognitive processes may be better understood by studying the ecological networks of social animal groups. We propose that a symmetrical approach be taken, where observations from cognitive science and ecology can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms and emergent properties swarm intelligence and collective behavior. Here we draw parallels between information transfer in social animals and sensory systems. We compare neural-based and distance-based models of swarm communication and demonstrate how adaptability and resiliency in a group’s social communications begins with the neural code of the individual.

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