Our History
The Origins of Genetic Algorithm Optimization
Professor John Holland at the University of Michigan came up with the idea of GA Optimization in the 1970's. His 1975 book "Adaptation in Natural and Artificial Systems" explored the concept of using mathematically-based artificial evolution as a method to conduct a structured search for solutions to complex problems.
A Wall Street Journal on January 16, 1996 quotes Dr. Holland about his ground-breaking studies on artificial evolution. Dr. Holland says his ideas were "greeted with resounding indifference." Critics joked, "You don't have enough time to imitate evolution."
Another pioneer in GA Optimization was Dr. David E. Goldberg. In his 1989 landmark text "Genetic Algorithms in Search, Optimization and Machine Learning", Dr. Goldberg suggested applications for genetic algorithms in a wide range of engineering fields. The 1996 WSJ article also had a quote from Dr. Goldberg, now an engineering professor at the University of Illinois, on GA Optimization: "Three billion years of evolution can't be wrong. It's the most powerful algorithm there is."
The Origins of Optimatics
Professor Angus Simpson was first exposed to Genetic Algorithms (GAs) in 1983 when he studied with Dr David Goldberg at the University of Michigan, where both were studying for PhDs in Civil Engineering, under the supervision of Professor Ben Wylie. David Goldberg was also being jointly supervised by Professor John Holland.
Angus always had an interest in the optimization of water distribution systems. The interest was sparked by a session at a 1985 ASCE conference in Buffalo, New York called "Battle of the Network Models". Various researchers around the world were invited to optimize the "Anytown Network" and present their results.
In 1991, under the supervision of Professor Angus Simpson, Dr Laurie Murphy began working on his PhD, at the University of Adelaide, investigating the application of GAs to the optimization of the design of water distribution systems. The work was inspired by Angus' interest in the field and followed the promising results of a final year research project on GAs applied to pipe network optimization. Laurie's work was jointly supervised by Professor Graeme Dandy, who completed his PhD in Environmental Engineering Systems at MIT in 1976 studying the optimum design of water quality sampling systems in river networks. Graeme was also very interested in optimization techniques and their application to water engineering problems, applying conventional optimization methods such as linear and non-linear programming on problems including optimizing pumping from the River Murray to the City of Adelaide.
In the course of Laurie's PhD, the GA was applied to benchmark optimization networks from literature including the "Gessler Network", the "New York Tunnels problem" and the "Anytown Network". The traditional GA formulation was subtly refined to improve its suitability to this specific application. The method was then applied to real water distribution systems including the unique design problems and constraints that exist for these systems. The results that the technique was displaying were very promising.
Ultimately, Angus, Graeme and Laurie teamed with irrigation and water resources consulting specialist Mr John Gransbury and US partner Mr Jeffrey Frey to establish Optimatics in 1996. The business was initially established as a consultancy to take the GA optimization of water distribution systems from the theoretical world to real world problems. Since inception Optimatics has now completed over 150 water system optimization projects for clients in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
In 2002, highly experienced and long-standing consulting engineering identity Don Horsell joined Optimatics. Don fulfilled the role of Chairman and Acting General Manager. In 2005, Tim Anderson was recruited to the position of General Manager to take over from Don. Tim's role was expanded to Chief Executive Officer in early 2007. Don continues in the role of Chairman.
By listening to our clients and their need for greater empowerment in optimization processes, Optimatics now also provide clients with training and customized software solutions. Most recently we have extended our offerings by licensing our core Optimatics Genetic Algorithm (OGA) technology. We have also introduced new Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques including Artificial Neural Networks.
We have realized our goal of partnering with our clients in the application of our advanced optimization technologies developed by our R&D team for waste water system planning and operations. This work was completed in association with the University of Adelaide and our commercialization partner, the global engineering consulting firm CH2M Hill.
