Overview of swarm intelligence

Abstract

This paper gives a broad overview of swarm intelligence in three parts: biological basis, artificial literature and swarm engineering. In biological basis part, the paper gives some operational principles from biological systems by naturalists and biologists. In artificial literature part, two fundamental approaches are provided to analyze swarm topology. The prevalent swarm models and techniques such as Reynolds's rules, discrete and continuum theory of flocking, coordination stability of the swarm motion, etc, are also summarized in this part. In swarm engineering part, the paper discusses Kazadi's “two-step” process. Many engineering applications come from Kazadi's researches. Also, the main application of swarm intelligence on robot systems and other applications are introduced in this part. We say this paper provides concepts for a better understanding of swarm intelligence both in principles and in applications.