Introduction to Random Boolean Networks

TL;DR

This tutorial introduces random Boolean networks (RBNs), highlighting their importance as models for studying generic network properties and their relevance in artificial life and origins of life research.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the art in RBN research, emphasizing recent developments within artificial life.

Findings

RBNs serve as versatile models for complex systems.

They are useful in exploring conditions for life emergence.

Research spans multiple lines within artificial life.

Abstract

The goal of this tutorial is to promote interest in the study of random Boolean networks (RBNs). These can be very interesting models, since one does not have to assume any functionality or particular connectivity of the networks to study their generic properties. Like this, RBNs have been used for exploring the configurations where life could emerge. The fact that RBNs are a generalization of cellular automata makes their research a very important topic. The tutorial, intended for a broad audience, presents the state of the art in RBNs, spanning over several lines of research carried out by different groups. We focus on research done within artificial life, as we cannot exhaust the abundant research done over the decades related to RBNs.