Plenary Lecture

On Genetic Algorithm as an Optimization Tool

Professor Suash Deb
National Institute of Science & Technology
Palur Hills
Berhampur 761008
Orissa, INDIA

Abstract: For any problem in a given context and set of constraints, there exists an optimal solution based on some predetermined measure of goodness. Various mathematical models for optimization are available. However, it has been experienced that the conventional approaches to optimization have various limitations. The famous traveling salesman problem for example, clearly points towards the need of a heuristic approach of the solution.
The advent of powerful computers had given impetus to both computer professionals and mathematicians to work towards acceleration as well provide new dimensions to the entire process. As the field of machine learning is becoming more & more matured, solutions of optimization with minimum of effort started reaching us. One such method is Genetic Algorithm (GA).
One of the components of the field of soft computing, GAs, like Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), has its root on the biological theory. However, in contrast to the neuroscience root of ANNs, GAs find their roots in Darwin’s evolutionary theories of natural selection & adaptation. GAs can overcome the combinatorial limitations as associated with ANN. Therefore a genetic algorithm is elegantly simple as compared to ANN & others yet extremely powerful. It is basically a search algorithm based on the methodologies of natural selection. It does mimic some of the innovations as associated with human search and exploit background information in order to speculate new search points.
This talk will dwell on a gentle introduction of Artificial Intelligence followed by that of soft computing. Thereafter the process of GA will be dealt with at length & the reason for its popularity as an optimization tool will be discussed.

Brief Biography of the Speaker:
Prof. Suash Deb did his Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Mechanical Engineering from Jadavpur University, Calcutta, India & Master of Technology (M.Tech.) in Computer Science from the University of Calcutta. He had been to Stanford University, USA as a UN Fellow for advanced study in the field of computer vision. He was also an Asian Expert of the Advanced Research Project Agency (ARPA), Dept. of Defense, Federal Govt. of USA. He has both industrial & academic experience with more emphasis on the later. He worked at the National Centre for Knowledge Based Computing as a Scientist. Currently he is a Professor of the Dept. of Computer Science & Engineering, National Institute of Science & Technology (NIST), Orissa, India. He is also the coordinator of Bioinformatics Research of NIST. He specializes in Soft Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics and the related fields.
A Senior Member of the IEEE (USA), Prof. Deb is currently on the editorial board of 3 reputed International Journals – Intl. Journal of Information Technology (Singapore), Intl. Journal of Computer Science & Engineering Systems (Taiwan) & Journal of Convergence Information Technology, Korea. Previously he also served the IEEE Robotics & Automation as its Regional editor & also the journal Robotics & Computer Integrated Manufacturing as an Associate Editor. He has traveled widely across the globe and delivered Plenary Talk/ Tutorial Address etc. at various National/International Conferences. He is attached with numerous International conferences as Member-Advisory Board, Program Committee etc & listed on a number of Who's Whos.