The Wisdom of the Lowly Ant -- Distributive Intelligence
Researchers are working to clear away the freeway gridlock that is overwhelming at times in large metropolitan areas globally. And just what are they studying to solve this problem? Ants. Slate has a video describing this phenomenon here. As it happens, ants have developed what scientists call "distributive intelligence" - a way to communicate with others from the colony in real time important information about the shortest, quickest route to potential food sources. Instead of using biochemical pheromones to communicate with other drivers, real time information will be distributed to other drivers on the same route advising them when it is best to take an alternate route. In one sense we are already experiencing the implications of "distributive intelligence" when reading this blog entry. The packets are continually "learning" which is the fastest route from one server to the next to the end user. The difference is that the packets are to communicating with each other the way ants do.
This "distributive intelligence" model may have far-reaching implications for all sorts of learning beyond solving traffic jams. Who knows, perhaps a better understanding of bees will help relieve the gridlock in the skies.
Again here is a link to the video (about 3 minutes long).