An evolutionary artificial immune system for multi-objective optimization

In this paper, an evolutionary artificial immune system for multi-objective optimization which combines the global search ability of evolutionary algorithms and immune learning of artificial immune systems is proposed. A new selection strategy is developed based upon the concept of clonal selection principle to maintain the balance between exploration and exploitation. In order to maintain a diverse repertoire of antibodies, an information-theoretic based density preservation mechanism is also presented. In addition, the performances of various multi-objective evolutionary algorithms as well as the effectiveness of the proposed features are examined based upon seven benchmark problems characterized by different difficulties in local optimality, non-uniformity, discontinuity, non-convexity, high-dimensionality and constraints. The comparative study shows the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, which produces solution sets that are highly competitive in terms of convergence, diversity and distribution. Investigations also demonstrate the contribution and robustness of the proposed features. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.