A quantum multi-agent evolutionary algorithm for selection of partners in a virtual enterprise

Combining agents and quantum-bit, a novel quantum multi-agent evolutionary algorithm (QMAEA) for addressing partner selection problems (PSP) in a virtual enterprise is proposed. In QMAEA, each agent represented by a quantum-bit is defined as a candidate solution, and agents can reproduce, perish, compete for survival, observe and communicate with the environment. Operators such as energy evaluation, competition, crossover, mutation, and trimming are designed to specify the evolvement of QMAEA. Three evolutionary strategies are designed to balance the exploration and exploitation of QMAEA. The effectiveness and scalability of the proposed QMAEA in addressing PSP is demonstrated with experimental results and comparisons. (C) 2010 CIRP.