Researchers at University College London are using genetic algorithms to evolve the best tunings for race cars. From New Scientist:
"Genetic algorithms mimic the principles of evolution to breed solutions to a problem. A population of potential solutions is tested for fitness and the best are cross-bred and mutated. The unfit members of the next generation are weeded out, simulating natural selection, leaving the fittest solutions to go on to breed."
Interestingly, the researchers tested their work virtually through repeated games of Formula One Challenge videogame. Link
