Genetic Algorithms: A Practical Technique for Optimization

This presentation introduces genetic algorithms (GAs) and their practical applications. It shows how the principles of Darwinian evolution can be used for finding optimal solutions to a wide range of problems. It explains the key mechanisms of chromosome formation, crossover, mutation, and selection. It also introduces some of the more advanced concepts, such as adaptive GAs, hybrid models, and fitness scaling. Several practical applications are shown, from the adjustment of device settings through to crew scheduling for freight trains. This presentation was my online keynote talk at the ICIM-2022 conference on 26 March 2022.