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Optimization problems are prevalent in almost all areas and hence optimization algorithms are crucial for a myriad of real-world applications. Deterministic optimization algorithms tend to be computationally costly and time-consuming. Hence, heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms are more favoured as they provide near-optimal solutions in an acceptable amount of time. Swarm intelligence algorithms are being increasingly used for optimization problems owing to their simplicity and good performance. The Dragonfly Algorithm (DA) is one which is inspired by the swarming behaviours of dragonflies, and it has been proven to have a superior performance than other algorithms in multiple applications. Hence, it is worth considering its application to the traveling salesman problem which is a predominant discrete optimization problem. The original DA is only suitable for solving continuous optimization problems and, although there is a binary version of the algorithm, it is not easily adapted for solving discrete optimization problems like TSP. We have previously proposed a discrete adapted DA algorithm suitable for TSP. However, it has low effectiveness, and it has not been used for large TSP problems. In this paper, we propose an optimized discrete adapted DA by using the steepest ascent hill climbing algorithm as a local search. The algorithm is applied to a TSP problem modelling a package delivery system in the Kuala Lumpur area and to benchmark TSP problems, and it is found to have a higher effectiveness than the discrete adapted DA and some other swarm intelligence algorithms. It also has a higher efficiency than the discrete adapted DA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problem that Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) is subject primarily to the parameters, we propose a hybrid algorithm SOA-ACO-2Opt to optimize the ACO parameter combination through Seagull Optimization Algorithm (SOA) to strengthen ACO's search capability. To obtain a uniform initial distribution of the ACO parameter combination, we incorporated the Kent Chaos Map (KCM) to randomly initialize the seagull's position, reducing the tendency of SOA to fall into the local optimum. To avoid slow calculation speed and premature convergence of ACO, we improved the adaptive multi-population mechanism to reduce repeated redundant calculations and used the ϵ − g r e e d y and default strategy, respectively, to update the ants' position. 2Opt is applied to find shorter paths in each iteration. In addition, when AUV navigates on the planned path, it may encounter obstacles. Therefore, this paper proposes an autonomous obstacle avoidance algorithm based on forward-looking sonar to ensure safety during tasks. SOA-ACO-2Opt is verified against twelve different problems extracted from TSPLIB and compared with some state-of-the-art algorithms. Furthermore, sea trials were carried out for several representative marine engineering applications of TSP and obstacle avoidance. Experimental results show that this work can significantly improve AUV's work efficiency and intelligence and protect the AUV's safety. [Display omitted] • A hybrid algorithm SOA-ACO-2Opt is proposed to solve TSP. • A multi-population mechanism is used to reduce redundant computation and avoid early convergence. • The desired-path-based avoidance strategy is efficient and of low complexity. • The proposed algorithm is practical and efficient for AUV engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proposed a hybrid algorithm as S-ROA for solving TSP robustly and effectively. • Integration of ROA and SHO accomplished to resolve TSP optimally. • Explorative and exploitative ability of S-ROA found to be remarkably superior. • Performance of S-ROA is verified over benchmark TSP instances. • Competence of S-ROA was proven over contemporary metaheuristic algorithms. Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) is the combinatorial optimization problem, where a salesman starting from a home city travels all the other cities and returns to the home city in the shortest possible path. TSP is a popular problem because the instances of TSP can be applied to solve real-world problems, the implication of which turns TSP into a typical test bench for performance evaluation of novel algorithms. In the current years, different optimization algorithms inspired by biological groups have become very familiar. A combined intelligence of diverse social insects like bees, ants, birds, termites, fish, etc. has been analyzed to introduce multiple meta-heuristic algorithms in the field of swarm intelligence. The main intent of this paper is to develop a hybrid algorithm for solving the TSP robustly and effectively. In order to attain this challenging point, the objective model considered in this research work is the minimization of the distance of the salesman traveling through entire cities. Here, the optimal solution pertains to solve the TSP is to minimize the distance travelled by the salesman, which is determined based on the new hybrid optimization algorithm. This proposal plans to integrate the two well-performing optimization algorithms like Rider Optimization Algorithm (ROA) and Spotted Hyena Optimizer algorithm (SHO) to frame the new algorithm, Spotted Hyena-based Rider Optimization (S-ROA). Finally, the experimental results obtained by the hybrid algorithm to solve these TSP cases are benchmarked against the results obtained by using state-of-the-art algorithms and prove the competitive performance of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]