Landscape Analysis Based vs. Domain-Specific Optimization for Engineering Design Applications: A Clear Case

IEEE Conference on Artificial Intelligence (CAI), pp. 776–781

Abstract

Traditional methods in black-box optimization often prescribe general-purpose algorithms for broad problem categories, which overlooks the significant variability in optimization landscapes that can exist even within a single domain. We address this gap by demonstrating the efficacy of landscape analysis techniques in guiding the choice and tuning of optimization algorithms for distinct landscape features. This study focuses on two real-world problem domains characterized by black-box simulation-based optimization: automotive control system calibration (anti-lock braking system) and automotive crashworthiness optimization. Through comparative analysis of computer experiments in these domains, landscape analysis techniques are employed for both visualization and explanation purposes. The results reveal substantial variations in landscape features across different instances within the same problem domain. Consequently, we advocate for a paradigm shift towards learning and applying optimizers tailored to specific landscape feature spaces rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to an entire problem domain. This research not only enhances the understanding of landscape variability in optimization problems but also paves the way for more efficient and effective optimization processes in complex, real-world scenarios.

Authors 6

1. Roy de Winter Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University,LIACS,Leiden,The Netherlands

2. Fu Xing Long

   BMW (Germany) · BMW Group (Germany)

   Affiliation as printed

   BMW Group,Munich,Germany

3. André Thomaser

   BMW (Germany) · BMW Group (Germany)

   Affiliation as printed

   BMW Group,Munich,Germany

4. Thomas Bäck Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University,LIACS,Leiden,The Netherlands

5. Bas van Stein Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University,LIACS,Leiden,The Netherlands

6. Anna V. Kononova Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University,LIACS,Leiden,The Netherlands