An Overview of Genetic Algorithms in Simulation Soccer

This paper discusses the use of genetic algorithms and genetic programming within the simulation soccer domain. Genetic algorithms (GAs) are based on the Darwinian theory of evolution and provide techniques to execute an effective search on a large range of potential solutions to a specific problem. Genetic Programming (GP) uses GA concepts to evolve a computer program. We show how GAs and GP have been applied to the challenging real-time and noisy domain of RoboCup simulation soccer. Among others, genetic approaches can be used to find appropriate actions for a soccer agent during a game, to improve different aspects of team strategy as well as to strengthen the ability of a player or a team in training exercises.