由蜜蜂组成的群体,如图中缅因州阿普尔多尔岛上的这群,经常会对建巢的地点产生分歧。但它们一般都能选出最佳位置。蜜蜂们通过收集信息,开展独立评估以及进行某种表决来得出最后的决定。科学家们正在研究这种群体智能–如图中带有黄色和蓝色标识的蜜蜂,寻找某些相关线索,并以此推断人类应如何对复杂的系统进行操作,无论是运输路线还是军事机器人。 Swarming honeybees, like these on Maine’s Appledore Island, frequently differ about where to establish a new nest. But the group usually chooses the best site. Bees reach this decision by gathering information, conducting independent evaluations, and holding a kind of vote. Scientists are studying such swarm intelligence-note the yellow and blue identifier dots on the bees in this photo-for clues about how humans might manage complex systems, from truck routing to military robots. |