BOB by Ian Cheng

Ian Cheng introduced BOB (Bag of Beliefs), a pioneering artificial life form depicted as a chimeric branching serpent. BOB represents a significant evolution in Cheng’s exploration of simulation, focusing on an individual agent’s ability to adapt to unexpected situations. Over time, BOB’s body, mind and personality evolve to manage life’s surprises, transforming them into routines. Featuring a composite AI architecture with various “demons” that drive its behavior, BOB learns rule-based beliefs from sensory experiences. This dynamic interaction between sub-personalities and external stimuli highlights the intricate relationship between technology, autonomy and human-like adaptability in generative art.