In this paper, we propose a genetic algorithm based design procedure for a multi-layer feed-forward neural network. A hierarchical genetic algorithm is used to evolve both the neural network's topology and weighting parameters. Compared with traditional genetic algorithm based designs for neural networks, the hierarchical approach addresses several deficiencies, including a feasibility check highlighted in literature. A multi-objective cost function is used herein to optimize the performance and topology of the evolved neural network simultaneously. In the prediction of Mackey–Glass chaotic time series, the networks designed by the proposed approach prove to be competitive, or even superior, to traditional learning algorithms for the multi-layer Perceptron networks and radial-basis function networks. Based upon the chosen cost function, a linear weight combination decision-making approach has been applied to derive an approximated Pareto-optimal solution set. Therefore, designing a set of neural networks can be considered as solving a two-objective optimization problem.
Neural Network Control and Wireless Sensor Network-based Localization of Quadrotor UAV Formations
