Ant Colony Optimization

The main inspiration for the ACO algorithm comes from stigmergy. This refers

to the interaction and coordination of organisms in nature by modifying the environment.

In stigmergy, the trace of an action done by an organism stimulates subsequent

actions by the same or other organisms. For instance, in a termite colony, one termite

might role a ball of mud and left it next to a hole. Another termite identifies the

mud and uses it to fix the hole. In nature, this causes complex and decentralized

intelligence without planning and direct communication.