Ant Colony Optimization based navigational decision support system

This paper presents a Swarm Intelligence (SI) application using Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) techniques in a navigational Decision Support System (DSS). The problem-solving capability of the system includes path planning and collision avoidance of a ship in the open sea as well as in restricted waters. The developed system enhances automation of the safe ship control process. It can also be employed in Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) control system, what will contribute to enhancement of their autonomy. The following issues are introduced in this paper: the developed navigational DSS architecture and the path planning and collision avoidance problem definition. This paper will also present ACO principle and ACO based algorithm implemented in navigational DSS. Exemplary results, conclusions and plans for further investigations are also included. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B. V.