Learning classifier systems

  • Authors:
  • Martin V. Butz

  • Affiliations:
  • University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 9th annual conference companion on Genetic and evolutionary computation
  • Year:
  • 2007

Quantified Score

Hi-index 0.00

Visualization

Abstract

When Learning Classifier Systems (LCSs) were introduced by John H. Holland in the 1970s, the intention was the design of a highly adaptive cognitive system. Since then, LCSs came a long way. Interest strongly decreased in the late 80s and early 90s due the complex interactions of several learning mechanisms. However, since the introduction of the accuracy-based XCS classifier system by Stewart W. Wilson in 1995 and the modular analysis of several LCSs thereafter, interest re-gained momentum. Current research has shown that LCSs can effectively solve data-mining problems, reinforcement learning problems, other predictive problems, and cognitive control problems. Hereby, it was shown that performance is machine learning competitive, but learning is taking place online and is often more flexible and highly adaptive. Moreover, system knowledge can be easily extracted.The Learning Classifier System tutorial provides a gentle introduction to LCSs and their general functioning. It then surveys the current theoretical understanding of the systems and their proper application to various problem domains. Finally, we provide a suite of current successful LCS implementations and discuss the most promising areas for future research and applications.