An AI approach with tabu search to solve multi-level knapsack problems using cycle detection, short-term and long-term memory

An AI approach with tabu search is designed to solve multi-level knapsack problems. The approach performs intelligent actions with memories of historic data and learning effect. These actions are developed not only by observing the attributes of the optimal solution, the solution space, and its corresponding path to the optimal, but also by applying human intelligence, experience, and intuition with respect to the search strategies. The approach intensifies, or diversifies the search process appropriately in time and space. In order to create a good neighborhood structure, this approach uses two powerful choice rules that emphasize the impact of candidate variables on the current solution with respect to their profit contribution. ‘Pseudo moves’, similar to ‘aspirations’, support these choice rules during the evaluation process. For the purpose of visiting as many relevant points as possible, strategic oscillation between feasible and infeasible solutions around the boundary is applied. To avoid redundant moves, short-term (tabu-lists), intermediate-term (cycle-detection), and long-term (recording frequency and significant solutions for diversification) memories are used. Test results show that among the 45 generated problems (these problems pose significant or insurmountable challenges to exact methods) the approach produces the optimal solutions in 39 cases.