A whale optimization algorithm (WOA) approach for clustering

Clustering is a powerful technique in data-mining, which involves identifing homogeneous groups of objects based on the values of attributes. Meta-heuristic algorithms such as particle swarm optimization, artificial bee colony, genetic algorithm and differential evolution are now becoming powerful methods for clustering. In this paper, we propose a new meta-heuristic clustering method, the Whale Clustering Optimization Algorithm, based on the swarm foraging behavior of humpback whales. After a detailed formulation and explanation of its implementation, we will then compare the proposed algorithm with other existing well-known algorithms in clustering, including PSO, ABC, GA, DE and k-means. Proposed algorithm was tested using one artificial and seven real benchmark data sets from the UCI machine learning repository. Simulations show that the proposed algorithm can successfully be used for data clustering.