Training Feed-forward Neural Networks using Asexual Reproduction Optimization (ARO) Algorithm

Artificial neural networks have been increasingly used in many problems of data classification because of their learning capacity, robustness and extendibility. Training in the neural networks accomplished by identifying the weight of neurons which is one of the main issues addressed in this field. The process of network learning by back-propagation algorithm which is based on gradient, commonly fall into a local optimum. Due to the importance of weights and neural network structure, evolutionary neural networks have been emerged to obtain suitable weight set. This paper will concentrate on training a feed-forward networks by a modified evolutionary algorithm based on asexual reproduction optimization (ARO) in order to data classification problems. The idea is to use real representation (rather the binary) for adjusting weights of the network. Experimental results show a better result in terms of speed and accuracy compared with other evolutionary algorithms including genetic algorithms, simulated annealing and particle swarm optimization.