We have formulated Evolvable Hardware -- and in particular intrinsic
EHW -- as a synthesis of genetic algorithms, inspiration from natural
evolution and electronics. In forming this synthesis, none of the three
components has been left unaltered. For the evolution of complex structures,
genetic algorithms need to be extended to incorporate the notions of converged
species evolution and incrementally increasing complexity: the SAGA framework.
When drawing inspiration from nature, it is necessary to recognise the
significantly different constraints and opportunities associated with the
artificial evolution of VLSI circuits. Finally, the whole concept of what
electronics can be needs to be re-thought, because until now it has been
governed by what is amenable to design techniques. Stepping into the wider
space of dynamical electronic systems, the first intrinsically evolved
hardware robot controller has been presented, showing remarkable levels of
efficiency and robustness. There is every reason to expect that this new field
will go far, but extravagant projections are not appropriate at this early
stage.