Training neural networks using Central Force Optimization and Particle Swarm Optimization: Insights and comparisons

Central Force Optimization (CFO) is a novel and upcoming metaheuristic technique that is based upon physical kinematics. It has previously been demonstrated that CFO is effective when compared with other metaheuristic techniques when applied to multiple benchmark problems and some real world applications. This work applies the CFO algorithm to training neural networks for data classification. As a proof of concept, the CFO algorithm is first applied to train a basic neural network that represents the logical XOR function. This work is then extended to train two different neural networks in order to properly classify members of the Iris data set. These results are compared and contrasted to results gathered using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) in the same applications. Similarities and differences between CFO and PSO are also explored in the areas of algorithm design, computational complexity, and natural basis. The paper concludes that CFO is a novel and promising meta-heuristic that is competitive with if not superior to the PSO algorithm, and there is much room to further improve it. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.