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https://github.com/ssusnic/Machine-Learning-Flappy-Bird

Machine Learning for Flappy Bird using Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm
https://github.com/ssusnic/Machine-Learning-Flappy-Bird

ai ai-tutorial artificial-evolution artificial-intelligence flappy-bird flappybird game-programming genetic-algorithm genetic-algorithms html5 javascript machine-intelligence machine-learning machine-learning-algorithm machinelearning neural-network neural-networks neuroevolution phaser phaser-tutorial

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Machine Learning for Flappy Bird using Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm

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# Machine Learning for Flappy Bird using Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm

Here is the source code for a HTML5 project that implements a machine learning algorithm in the Flappy Bird video game using neural networks and a genetic algorithm. The program teaches a little bird how to flap optimally in order to fly safely through barriers as long as possible.

The complete tutorial with much more details and demo you can find here:
[http://www.askforgametask.com/tutorial/machine-learning-algorithm-flappy-bird](http://www.askforgametask.com/tutorial/machine-learning-algorithm-flappy-bird)

Here you can also watch a short video with a simple presentation of the algorithm:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeWmdojEJf0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeWmdojEJf0)

All code is written in HTML5 using [Phaser framework](http://phaser.io/) and [Synaptic Neural Network library](https://synaptic.juancazala.com) for neural network implementation.

![Flappy Bird Screenshot](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ssusnic/Machine-Learning-Flappy-Bird/master/screenshots/flappy_10.png "Flappy Bird Screenshot")

## Neural Network Architecture

To play the game, each unit (bird) has its own neural network consisted of the next 3 layers:
1. an input layer with 2 neurons presenting what a bird sees:

```
1) horizontal distance between the bird and the closest gap
2) height difference between the bird and the closest gap
```

2. a hidden layer with 6 neurons
3. an output layer with 1 neuron used to provide an action as follows:

```
if output > 0.5 then flap else do nothing
```

![Flappy Bird Neural Network](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ssusnic/Machine-Learning-Flappy-Bird/master/screenshots/flappy_06.png "Flappy Bird Neural Network")

There is used [Synaptic Neural Network library](https://synaptic.juancazala.com) to implement entire artificial neural network instead of making a new one from the scratch.

## The Main Concept of Machine Learning

The main concept of machine learning implemented in this program is based on the neuro-evolution form. It uses evolutionary algorithms such as a genetic algorithm to train artificial neural networks. Here are the main steps:

1. create a new population of 10 units (birds) with a **random neural network**
2. let all units play the game simultaneously by using their own neural networks
3. for each unit calculate its **fitness** function to measure its quality as:

```
fitness = total travelled distance - distance to the closest gap
```

![Flappy Bird Fitness](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ssusnic/Machine-Learning-Flappy-Bird/master/screenshots/flappy_08.png "Flappy Bird Fitness")


4. when all units are killed, evaluate the current population to the next one using **genetic algorithm operators** (selection, crossover and mutation) as follows:

```
1. sort the units of the current population in decreasing order by their fitness ranking
2. select the top 4 units and mark them as the winners of the current population
3. the 4 winners are directly passed on to the next population
4. to fill the rest of the next population, create 6 offsprings as follows:
- 1 offspring is made by a crossover of two best winners
- 3 offsprings are made by a crossover of two random winners
- 2 offsprings are direct copy of two random winners
5. to add some variations, apply random mutations on each offspring.
```

5. go back to the step 2

## Implementation

### Requirements

Since the program is written in HTML5 using [Phaser framework](http://phaser.io/) and [Synaptic Neural Network library](https://synaptic.juancazala.com) you need these files:

- **phaser.min.js**
- **synaptic.min.js**

### gameplay.js
The entire game logic is implemented in **gameplay.js** file. It consists of the following classes:

- `App.Main`, the main routine with the following essential functions:
- _preload()_ to preload all assets
- _create()_ to create all objects and initialize a new genetic algorithm object
- _update()_ to run the main loop in which the Flappy Bird game is played by using AI neural networks and the population is evolved by using genetic algorithm
- _drawStatus()_ to display information of all units

- `TreeGroup Class`, extended Phaser Group class to represent a moving barrier. This group contains a top and a bottom Tree sprite.

- `Tree Class`, extended Phaser Sprite class to represent a Tree sprite.

- `Bird Class`, extended Phaser Sprite class to represent a Bird sprite.

- `Text Class`, extended Phaser BitmapText class used for drawing text.

### genetic.js

The genetic algorithm is implemented in **genetic.js** file which consists of the following class:

- `GeneticAlgorithm Class`, the main class to handle all genetic algorithm operations. It needs two parameters: **_max_units_** to set a total number of units in population and **_top_units_** to set a number of top units (winners) used for evolving population. Here are its essential functions:

- _reset()_ to reset genetic algorithm parameters
- _createPopulation()_ to create a new population
- _activateBrain()_ to activate the AI neural network of an unit and get its output action according to the inputs
- _evolvePopulation()_ to evolve the population by using genetic operators (selection, crossover and mutations)
- _selection()_ to select the best units from the current population
- _crossOver()_ to perform a single point crossover between two parents
- _mutation()_ to perform random mutations on an offspring