Glowworm swarm optimisation: a new method for optimising multi-modal functions

Abstract

This paper presents an exposition of a new method of swarm intelligence based algorithm for optimising multi-modal functions. The main objective of using this method is to ensure capture of all local maxima of the function. The application of this method is in the area of multiple signal source location or identification of odour sources and hazardous spills. The method is based upon a dynamic decision domain for each agent in the swarm that decides its direction of movement by the strength of the signal picked up from its neighbours. This is somewhat similar to the luciferin induced glow of a glowworm which is used to attract mates or prey. The brighter the glow more is the attraction. The method is memory-less and gradient free and does not require the knowledge of any global information. Moreover, the method is amenable to robotic implementation. Several illustrative examples are given to show the effectiveness of the method in comparison to existing swarm intelligence algorithms.