NH-MCDM

New Horizons for Multi Criteria Decision Making

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Complex problems usually require the simultaneous consideration of multiple performance criteria within multidisciplinary environments. Multi-objective optimization (MOO) and, especially, evolutionary multi-objective optimization (EMO), is now recognized as possessing the potential to have a major impact in such problems. This is evidenced by the rapidly growing number of research publications and by the availability of a number of related software tools and users (academia and industry). As part of this development, Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), based on the results obtained through EMO/MOO, is an important challenge.

The Consortium suggested here, has identified a number of very novel research directions within EMO/MOO, which promise a major step-change in the way that decision-making in complex interdisciplinary problems may be successfully realised. These directions not only will attract the research community but will also enhance its uptake by industry and other businesses.

The Consortium consists of an interdisciplinary group of EMO pioneers and world-class researchers together with enthusiastic early-career researchers who are excited by this research field and it's potential. The Consortium, possess remarkable complementarity with regard to theoretical and practical aspects of the research, and the fact that some pairings have already generated important results reinforces our conviction that Consortium research will make outstanding contributions to the field of MCDM. Our research will be underpinned by a strong programme of knowledge exchange, involving such activities as seminars, workshops, demonstrators and e-learning tools, aimed at both research institutions, industry and related businesses. The Consortium will strive to enhance science by providing a supporting environment for experienced as well as early stage researchers. This will be realised through the free exchange of knowledge across organizations, nations and continents.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

An EU team is devising complex algorithms to assist with multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). The project will apply the concept to developing software able to solve complex problems and help manage the design process.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Complex problems may require simultaneous consideration of many performance criteria. Two new fields, multi-objective optimisation and evolutionary multi-objective optimisation (EMO), may contribute to such problem solving.

The EU-funded 'New horizons for multi criteria decision making' (NH-MCDM) project aims to apply the above optimisations to a new field of MCDM. The goal is to develop an MCDM framework for solving complex problems, using optimisation software. Additional goals include developing a flexible and structured approach for managing the design process. The five-year consortium includes one EU partner plus members from Brazil, Canada, Israel and Mexico, and concludes at the end of 2015.

One of the project's objectives is information exchange through conferences, courses and workshops. The consortium has organised several of each gathering type, plus seminars and tutorials, during which the team examined current studies in EMO and considered new directions.

Additionally, the project is advancing the theoretical background of EMO through research into a set of novel applicable algorithms. Several were found to have certain advantages. One outcome was the development of a new methodology for optimising products for both single- and multiple-objective problems. The methodology enables products to adapt to changing conditions.

The team researched applications concerning multi-objective games. Outcomes suggest evolutionary algorithms for such games, and illustrate a new equilibrium. The group also explored ways of enhancing robotic responses to uncertain scenarios through mechanical cognitivisation. The concept essentially means robot training, and initial proof-of-concept shows potential for this research direction.

NH-MCDM is advancing a new understanding of MCDM as a means to solving complex problems using software. The work has also led to new applications in robot cognition.