AI controlled space ships are not a new concept, often explored in Science Fiction movies, novels, and stories. Hal, of course, is the penultimate example, as the confused computer in 2001.

I've always enjoyed the stories where the computer evolves into something different than the designers had originally intended. I'm sure I've missed something, but I am not familiar with a Science Fiction story where an AI ship computer was designed to evolve. Tricky business, of course, as the end results will always be something un-expected, yet it occurs to me that this would be the only way a computer would be able to learn and adapt to new situations.

Evolution is enhanced by the yin-yang of cooperation and competition, preditor and prey. This interplay would also have to be factored in the the design. There are several ways of doing this. The first is to have a fleet of AI controlled ships that are in communication with each other. However, the ability to effectively communicate with each other over increasing distance will compromise the quick flow of information. A small fleet of ships could be sent to the same objective, with the fittest achieving the goal. Ships could replicate not only parts for self repair and development, but to create whole new ships after reaching areas with the proper resources. Or, a ship could be fitted with many different AI's, each with roles to play in the operation of the ship and the completion of the mission.

Just some quick thoughts.