The Vehicle Genome
Each vehicle has genes that control its physical design:
- Chassis: Body width, height, weight, and tilt angle
- Wheels: Size, position, and drop distance
- Grip: How much traction the wheels have
- Suspension: How stiff or flexible the axles are
- Motor: How fast the wheels spin
Unlike neural networks, you can SEE exactly how each gene affects the vehicle!
The Genetic Algorithm
1. Test: Each vehicle tries to cross the terrain.
2. Measure: Distance traveled = fitness score.
3. Select: Best performers become parents.
4. Breed: Parent genes combine to make children.
5. Mutate: Random changes add variation.
6. Repeat: Each generation gets better!
What to Watch For
Early generations: Vehicles flip, get stuck, or barely move.
After 5-10 generations: You'll see patterns emerge - maybe bigger wheels, lower bodies.
Try Manual Mode: Pick winners yourself and see if evolution follows your intuition!