Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) Algorithm Tutorial

This algorithm draws inspiration from the intricate foraging dynamics observed in real beehives. This code provides a tutorial.
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Updated 4 Jan 2024

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This algorithm draws inspiration from the intricate foraging dynamics observed in real beehives. Modeled after the roles of employed, onlooker, and scout bees, this Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm emulates the collaborative search for optimal solutions in dynamic environments.
In the bee hierarchy, employed bees venture into the surroundings, exploring for potential food sources. Upon discovery, they communicate this information through intricate dances to onlooker bees awaiting within the hive. The onlookers, equipped with the communicated details, make informed decisions about which food sources to prioritize. Notably, the algorithm mimics the information communicated in a real beehive through nuanced dance variables such as vibration rate and body angle to convey location and food quantity information. Meanwhile, scout bees engage in spontaneous, random searches, contributing to the continuous exploration for new, viable food sources.
By capturing the essence of these bee behaviors, this algorithm offers an intuitive and effective approach to solving optimization problems, echoing the remarkable efficiency witnessed in the natural world.

Cite As

Michael Sacks (2025). Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) Algorithm Tutorial (https://in.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/157116-artificial-bee-colony-abc-algorithm-tutorial), MATLAB Central File Exchange. Retrieved .

MATLAB Release Compatibility
Created with R2023a
Compatible with any release
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Version Published Release Notes
1.0.0