Optimization of wavelet neural networks with the firefly algorithm for approximation problems

The effectiveness of swarm intelligence has been proven to be at the heart of various optimization problems. In this study, a recently developed nature-inspired algorithm, specifically the firefly algorithm (FA), is integrated in the learning strategy of wavelet neural networks (WNNs). The FA, which systematically optimizes the initial location of the translation parameters for WNNs, has reduced the number of hidden nodes while simultaneously improved the generalization capability of WNNs significantly. The applicability of the proposed model was demonstrated through empirical simulations for function approximation study, with both synthetic and real-world data. Performance assessment demonstrated its enhancement over the K-means clustering and random initialization approaches, as well as to the other neural network models reported in the literature, whereby a noteworthy decrease in the approximation error was observed.