T. Ishida is currently investigating the following topics:
1. Unraveling the Process of Cell Emergence Using Simulation Models:
This research employs computer modeling to explore how a group of reactions within the organic soup that existed on early Earth could have given rise to a cell possessing the four essential characteristics of life: boundaries, metabolism, replication, and heredity. To date, two-dimensional simulations have successfully generated boundaries, metabolism, replication, and evolving clumps through cyclic reactions involving 15 hypothetical molecules (Figure 1). Additionally, I am currently developing an informant emergent model capable of retaining genetic information. I believe that these studies will help us to not only elucidate the minimum conditions required for cell emergence but also pave the way for the creation of artificial cells.
Figure 1: Simulation of cell shape emergence using the “multiset artificial chemical lattice model”
2. Development of Biomimetic Swarm Robots
I am currently developing a simulation model of a swarm robot composed of numerous interacting modules. Even with highly constrained modules that can only interact with adjacent modules and lack coordinate systems or IDs, the swarm has demonstrated the ability to achieve collective motion and navigate towards a light source (Figure 2). I believe that by constructing micro-level modules based on these principles, we can create multicellular robots at the microscale.
Figure 2: Simulation results of a swarm of modules moving towards a light source in the presence of an obstacle (wall)
3. Exploring Sustainable Civilizations through Simulation Modeling
My early research focused on simulation studies of regional energy systems. Since then, I have been investigating the conditions that contribute to the rise and fall of civilizations from an entropy perspective. This has led me to explore the possibility of employing systems modeling or similar approaches to “design” future civilizations. To date, I have published a Japanese-language book on this topic and plan to release an English version in the future. Additionally, I aim to develop a simulator for designing future civilizations.
My research interests extend to other areas, including:
– Self-Organizing Morphogenesis Models: I am developing a computational model to simulate the self-organizing processes that underlie pattern formation in biological systems (Figure 3).
– Research on Intelligence Emergence Models: I am conducting research aimed at developing novel artificial intelligence models by drawing inspiration from the emergent intelligence processes observed in living organisms.
– Machine Ethics: I am exploring the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and machine learning, with a focus on developing responsible and socially beneficial applications.
