Artificial bee colony algorithm and pattern search hybridized for global optimization

Artificial bee colony algorithm is one of the most recently proposed swarm intelligence based optimization algorithm. A memetic algorithm which combines Hooke–Jeeves pattern search with artificial bee colony algorithm is proposed for numerical global optimization. There are two alternative phases of the proposed algorithm: the exploration phase realized by artificial bee colony algorithm and the exploitation phase completed by pattern search. The proposed algorithm was tested on a comprehensive set of benchmark functions, encompassing a wide range of dimensionality. Results show that the new algorithm is promising in terms of convergence speed, solution accuracy and success rate. The performance of artificial bee colony algorithm is much improved by introducing a pattern search method, especially in handling functions having narrow curving valley, functions with high eccentric ellipse and some complex multimodal functions.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We propose a memetic artificial bee colony algorithm for numerical optimization. ► Pattern search is introduced into the basic ABC to improve its performance. ► There are two alternative phases of the proposed algorithm. ► The proposed algorithm was tested on a comprehensive set of benchmark functions. ► The performance of the new algorithm is compared with several other algorithms.