Pigeon optimization algorithm: A novel approach for solving optimization problems

The growing need of finding efficient solutions to various optimization problems has motivated computer researchers to search for varied problem-solving methods. Nature has greatly inspired and motivated us in finding solutions to various optimization problems. Swarm Intelligence is a result of one such motivation where nature based swarm behavior of many social organisms like bees, bacteria, fireflies, cockroaches, mosquitoes is used for finding solutions to optimization problems. This paper introduces a new bio-Inspired optimization approach, namely, Pigeon Optimization Algorithm (POA) in the field of Swarm Intelligence. POA is based on the swarming behavior of passenger pigeons. The grouping and searching behavior of a flight of pigeons is used for finding the optimization solution to a given problem. The proposed algorithm demonstrates its suitability in finding the shortest path from a given source. The results obtained are compared and verified using Dijkstra's Algorithm. It has been found that the above algorithm has the potential and hence, can be used for solving different optimization problems in future.