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Evolving Neural Networks through Augmenting Topologies

Stanley, Kenneth O., Miikkulainen, Risto·2002·Evolutionary Computation

Abstract

An important question in neuroevolution is how to gain an advantage from evolving neural network topologies along with weights. We present a method, NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies (NEAT), which outperforms the best fixed-topology method on a challenging benchmark reinforcement learning task. We claim that the increased efficiency is due to (1) employing a principled method of crossover of different topologies, (2) protecting structural innovation using speciation, and (3) incrementally growing from minimal structure. We test this claim through a series of ablation studies that demonstrate that each component is necessary to the system as a whole and to each other. What results is signicantly faster learning. NEAT is also an important contribution to GAs because it shows how it is possible for evolution to both optimize and complexify solutions simultaneously, offering the possibility of evolving increasingly complex solutions over generations, and strengthening the analogy with biological evolution.

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Metadata

Authors
Stanley, K. O., & Miikkulainen, R.
Venue
Evolutionary Computation
Published
2002-06
Volume
10
Issue
2
Pages
99-127
ISSN
  • 1063-6560 (ISSN-L)
  • 1530-9304
OpenAlex
W2111935653
Cited by
3,258
References
2
FWCI
24.42
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed

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CoChat. (2026). Citation check: Evolving Neural Networks through Augmenting Topologies. https://app.cochat.ai/papers/10.1162/106365602320169811
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Stanley, K. O., & Miikkulainen, R. (2002). Evolving Neural Networks through Augmenting Topologies. Evolutionary Computation. https://doi.org/10.1162/106365602320169811

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