Optimus - new metaheuristic optimization plugin for Grasshopper

Optimus is a new metaheuristic optimization plugin for Grasshopper. The first version implements the Self-Adaptive Differential Evolution with Ensemble of Mutation Strategies (jEDE). While the self-adaptive approach updates crossover and mutation rates, the ensemble of mutation strategies uses three operators to find the optimal result. The main purpose is to support the Performative Computational Architecture framework during the design decisions in the conceptual phase.

The plugin experimented with using standard test problems, some of the test problems proposed in IEEE CEC 2005, and one design optimization problem. (All these are below). The results show that Optimus (jEDE) outperformed some of the single-objective optimization algorithms available in food4Rhino by finding much better solutions for 20 out of 21 problems. The target audience of the tool is frequent users of parametric design modeling, e.g., architects, engineers, and designers.

The algorithm background and the results are here.