Central Concerns and Questions
We investigate solution methodoligies and systems for large-scale optimisation problems. In particular, we are interested in developing meta-heuristics and techniques that can solve these problems in a computationally efficient manner. We are also concerned with the broader issue of automated/decision support for heuristic design and tuning.
Emerging Ideas and Initiatives
Automated tuning of heuristics is an exciting emerging research topic in AI. We study the use of machine learning coupled with computation and human visualisation to design frameworks that facilitates automated tuning of heuristics in solving large-scale problems. We also look at generic algorithmic paradigms for coping with computational intractability arising from data uncertainty in large-scale optimisation.
Selected Publications
[1] G. Feng and H. C. Lau. Efficient algorithms for machine scheduling problems with earliness and tardiness penalties. Annals of Operations Research (Special Issue on Scheduling), 159, 83-95, 2008.
[2] H. C. Lau and F. Xiao. The Oil Drilling Model and Iterative Deepening Genetic Annealing Algorithm for the TSP, In A. Fink and F, Rothlauf (eds), Advances in Computational Intelligence in Transportation and Logistics, Springer Series on Studies in Computational Intelligence. In press.
[3] S. Halim, R. Yap, and H. C. Lau.
An integrated white+black box approach for designing and tuning stochastic local search.
In 13th International Conference on Principles & Practice of Constraint Programming (CP), September, 2007.
[4] H. C. Lau, T. Ou, and F. Xiao. Robust local search and its application to generating robust schedules. In International Conference on Automated Planning and Scheduling (ICAPS), September, 2007.
[5] H. C. Lau, W. C. Wan, S. Halim, and K. Y. Toh. A software framework for fast hybridization of meta-heuristics. International Transactions in Operational Research, 14(2):123-141, 2007.
[6] S.-F. Cheng, M. A. Epelman, and R. L. Smith. CoSIGN: A parallel algorithm for coordinated traffic signal control. IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, 7(4):551-564, 2006.
Projects, Presentations and Posters
- LAU Hoong Chuin, Robust Local Search, Presented at ICAPS 2007 (presentation)
Collaborations and Industry Linkages
- Land Transport Authority (LTA)
