A multi-agent based cooperative approach to scheduling and routing

Martin, Simon, Ouelhadj, Djamila, Beullens, Patrick, Özcan, Ender, Juan, Angel A. and Burke, Edmund (2016) A multi-agent based cooperative approach to scheduling and routing. European Journal of Operational Research . ISSN 0377-2217 (In Press)

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Abstract

In this study, we propose a general agent-based distributed framework where each agent is implementing a different metaheuristic/local search combination. Moreover, an agent continuously adapts itself during the search process using a direct cooperation protocol based on reinforcement learning and pattern matching. Good patterns that make up improving solutions are identified and shared by the agents. This agent-based system aims to provide a modular flexible framework to deal with a variety of different problem domains. We have evaluated the performance of this approach using the proposed framework which embodies a set of well known metaheuristics with different configurations as agents on two problem domains, Permutation Flow-shop Scheduling and Capacitated Vehicle Routing. The results show the success of the approach yielding three new best known results of the Capacitated Vehicle Routing benchmarks tested, while the results for Permutation Flow-shop Scheduling are commensurate with the best known values for all the benchmarks tested.

Item Type: Article
RIS ID: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/781413
Keywords: Combinatorial optimization, Multi-agent systems, Scheduling, 2 vehicle routing, Metaheuristics, Cooperative search, Reinforcement learning
Schools/Departments: University of Nottingham, UK > Faculty of Science > School of Computer Science
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2016.02.045
Depositing User: Ozcan, Dr Ender
Date Deposited: 10 Mar 2016 09:48
Last Modified: 04 May 2020 17:42
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/32191

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