A Hyper-Heuristic

A hyper-heuristic is a higher-level strategy or method that helps in selecting, generating, or modifying lower-level heuristics used for solving optimization problems or search tasks. Hyper-heuristics automate the process of choosing the most appropriate low-level heuristic based on problem characteristics and constraints.

A Hyper-Heuristic

Areas of application

  • computer science
  • operations research
  • artificial intelligence
  • management science
  • engineering

Example

For example, a hyper-heuristic could be used to select the best heuristic for solving a scheduling problem in a manufacturing plant. The hyper-heuristic would take into account factors such as the type of product being produced, the capacity of the factory, and the due dates for the orders, and then choose the most appropriate heuristic from a set of predefined options.