an array of identically programmed automata, or "cells," which interact with one another. [David G. Green
(n.) A system made up of many discrete cells, each of which may be in one of a finite number of states. A cell or automaton may change state only at fixed, regular intervals, and only in accordance with fixed rules that depend on cells own values and the values of neighbours within a certain proximity.
Simple agents that have a limited number of states, arranged in a grid formation. The state occupied is solely determined by the agent states together with those of their immediate surroundings. The cells in the 'Game of Life' are of this type.
A regular array of identical finite state automata whose next state is determined solely by their current state and the state of their neighbours. The most widely seen is the game of Life in which complex patterns emerge from a (supposedly infinite) square lattice of simple two state (living and dead) automata whose next state is determined solely by the current states of its four closes neighbours and itself.
An emerging field with strong links to parallel control structures. Cellular automata refers to concepts for using machines made up of a few standardized elements. Potential applications include computer graphics, simulations - particularly of biological systems (artificial life) and physical systems (heat and air flow) - and design of massively parallel systems.