AntBeePath: A Hybrid Bio-Inspired Algorithm for Path Determination

AntBeePath is a hybrid bio-inspired algorithm based on the behavior of ants and honeybees aimed at the resolution of the problem of finding the shortest paths for a given network topology. The algorithm, in brief, combines the pheromone release mechanism of existing Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithms with a new bio-inspired mechanism based on the recruitment strategy of bees. Three versions of the algorithm were developed incrementally. Proof-of-concept results indicate that the AntBeePath Decay Hybrid Chain version is more efficient than the other developed versions and, beyond that, presented an improved performance in relation to an equivalent ACO algorithm. The results suggest that a hybrid algorithm, combining the ant’s pheromone release with the new bio-inspired mechanism of bee recruitment along with a stagnation control mechanism can result in a new bio-inspired algorithm for path determination with improved characteristics.