Researchers in Sweden created artificial animals that over time develop functioning vision from scratch — from simple light sensitivity to the ability to discern objects. Artificial animals developed functioning vision without any instruction. The results show how AI can be used to understand the inner secrets of evolution.

The researchers created the virtual animals and released them into a synthetic world, giving them tasks on how to navigate, avoid obstacles and find food. Each generation showed small variations, and just like in nature, those that coped the best passed on their characteristics. The difference was that all this happened inside a computer – and happened much faster.