Genetic Algorithm in Artificial Intelligence: Overview, Benefits & Key Terminologies

A genetic algorithm is used to solve complicated problems with a greater number of variables & possible outcomes/solutions. The combinations of different solutions are passed through the Darwinian based algorithm to find the best solutions. The poorer solutions are then replaced with the offspring of good solutions.

The whole process of genetic algorithms is a computer program simulation in which the attributes of the problem & solution are treated as the attributes of the Darwinian theory. The basic processes which are involved in genetic algorithms are as follows:

• A population of solutions is built to any particular problem. The elements of the population compete with each other to find out the fittest one.
• The elements of the population that are fit are only allowed to create offspring (better solutions).
• The genes from the fittest parents (solutions) create a better offspring. Thus, future solutions will be better and sustainable.

The concept of the Genetic Algorithm in Artificial Intelligence stands out as a particularly innovative and effective approach. Drawing from principles of natural selection and genetics, this algorithm mimics the evolutionary process to find solutions to problems that are otherwise daunting for traditional algorithms. My firsthand experience with Genetic Algorithms (GAs) has shown me their unparalleled ability to evolve solutions over generations, adapting to the problem at hand with remarkable efficiency. In this article, aimed at professionals aspiring to delve into the AI field, I will share insights on the essence of Genetic Algorithms, their working mechanism in AI, key terminologies, benefits, uses, limitations, and how they compare to traditional algorithms. This overview is designed to equip you with a solid understanding of GAs, setting a foundation for exploring their potential in your AI endeavors.

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What is a Genetic Algorithm?

When faced with complex problems that have many variables and potential outcomes or solutions, a genetic algorithm is utilized to solve them. To identify the optimal solutions, various combinations of solutions are run through a Darwinian-based algorithm. Next, the progeny of excellent solutions takes the place of the inferior ones.

Here’s how genetic algorithm works:

1. Initialization: A population of potential solutions is randomly generated to represent the first generation.
2. Fitness Evaluation: Each solution in the population is evaluated based on a predefined fitness function, which measures how well it solves the problem at hand.
3. Selection: Solutions are selected for reproduction based on their fitness. The fitter individuals are more likely to be chosen, simulating the “survival of the fittest.”
4. Crossover: Pairs of selected solutions undergo genetic crossover, exchanging parts of their genetic information to create new offspring.
5. Mutation: Some of the new solutions undergo random changes, or mutations, to introduce genetic diversity.
6. Replacement: The new generation, now composed of both parents and offspring, replaces the previous generation.
7. Termination: The algorithm repeats these steps for multiple generations or until a satisfactory solution is found.

Working of Genetic Algorithms in AI 

The working of a genetic algorithm in AI is as follows:

• The components of the population, i.e., elements, are termed as genes in genetic algorithms in AI. These genes form an individual in the population (also termed as a chromosome).
• A search space is created in which all the individuals are accumulated. All the individuals are coded within a finite length in the search space.
• Each individual in the search space (population) is given a fitness score, which tells its ability to compete with other individuals.
• All the individuals with their respective fitness scores are sought & maintained by the genetic algorithm & the individuals with high fitness scores are given a chance to reproduce.
• The new offspring are having better ‘partial solutions’ as compared to their parents. Genetic algorithms also keep the space of the search space dynamic for accumulating the new solutions (offspring).
• This process is repeated until the offsprings do not have any new attributes/features than their parents (convergence). The population converges at the end, and only the fittest solutions remain along with their offspring (better solutions). The fitness score of new individuals in the population (offspring) are also calculated. 

Key Terminologies in Genetic Algorithms

• Selection Operator – This operator in genetic algorithms in AI is responsible for selecting the individuals with better fitness scores for reproduction. 
• Crossover Operator – The crossover operator chooses a crossover site from where the merge will happen. The crossover sites in both the individuals available for mating are chosen randomly and form new individuals.
• Mutation Operator – This operator in the genetic algorithm is responsible for embedding random genes in the offspring to maintain diversity and avoid premature convergence.
• Premature Convergence – If a problem is optimized quickly, it means that the offspring were not produced at many levels. The solutions will also not be of optimal quality. To avoid premature convergence, new genes are added by the mutation operator.
• Allele – The value of a particular gene in a chromosome is termed as an allele. The specified set of alleles for each gene defines the possible chromosomes of that particular gene.

Read: Types of AI Algorithms You Should Know

Benefits and Uses of Genetic Algorithms

• The solutions created through genetic algorithms are strong & reliable as compared to other solutions.
• They increase the size of solutions as solutions can be optimized over a large search scale. This algorithm also can manage a large population.
• The solutions produced by genetic algorithms do not deviate much on slightly changing the input. They can handle a little bit of noise.
• Genetic algorithms have a stochastic distribution that follows probabilistic transition rules, making them hard to predict but easy to analyze.
• Genetic algorithms can also perform in noisy environments. It can also work in case of complex & discrete problems. 
• Due to their effectiveness, genetic algorithms have many applications like neural networks, fuzzy logic, code-breaking, filtering & signal processing. You can learn more about the genetic algorithms in AI via the top courses offered by upGrad.

Also Read: Types of Classification Algorithm in ML

Limitations of Genetic Algorithms

Genetic Algorithms have a few limitations as well. Let me highlight them in points:

• Computational Intensity: Genetic algorithm in artificial intelligence can be computationally demanding, especially for complex problems and large solution spaces, leading to longer processing times.
• Solution Quality: There’s no guarantee of finding the optimal solution. GAs may converge to local optimal or suboptimal solutions, especially if the search space is not well-explored. This can hamper the working of genetic algorithm in artificial intelligence.
• Parameter Sensitivity: Performance is sensitive to the choice of parameters like crossover and mutation rates. Suboptimal parameter settings can hinder convergence.
• Difficulty in Representation: Choosing an appropriate representation for problem solutions can be challenging, and a poorly chosen representation may impede the algorithm’s effectiveness. This can make application of genetic algorithm in artificial intelligence challenging.
• Not Always Suitable for Continuous Spaces: Genetic algorithms in AI are more natural for discrete search spaces. Adapting them for continuous optimization problems requires additional techniques like encoding and decoding.
• Limited Handling of Constraints: Managing constraints in optimization problems can be tricky. Ensuring solutions meet all constraints might require additional mechanisms.

Difference between Genetic Algorithms and Traditional Algorithms

This table provides a concise overview of the distinctions between Genetic Algorithm in artificial intelligence and Traditional Algorithms across various dimensions.

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Conclusion

The exploration of genetic algorithms in artificial intelligence offers a fascinating glimpse into how nature-inspired strategies can be harnessed to solve complex problems in the digital realm. These algorithms, grounded in the principles of natural selection and genetic evolution, present a robust framework for optimization and search tasks across various domains. While they boast significant advantages such as flexibility, adaptability, and efficiency in finding solutions to problems where traditional algorithms might falter, it’s also crucial to acknowledge their limitations, including the potential for premature convergence and the need for extensive computational resources.

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