Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Commons^™

Genetic algorithms typically use crossover, which relies on mating a set of selected parents. As part of crossover, random mating is often carried out. A novel approach to parent mating is presented in this work. Our novel approach can be applied in combination with a traditional similarity-based criterion to measure distance between individuals or with a fitness-based criterion. We introduce a parameter called mating index that allows different mating strategies to be developed within a uniform framework: from an exploitative strategy called BEST-FIRST to an explorative one called BEST-LAST. SELF-ADAPTIVE mating is defined in the context of the novel algorithm …