UNIT-1

Introduction to Soft Computing

Concept of computing systems, "Soft" computing versus "Hard" computing.

Characteristics of Soft computing, From Conventional AI to Computational Intelligence,
Some applications of Soft computing techniques.

Soft computing is an emerging approach to computing which parallel the remarkable ability of
the human mind to reason and learn in an environment of uncertainty and imprecision. Soft
computing is based on some biological inspired methodologies such as genetics, evolution, ant’s
behaviors, particles swarming, human nervous systems, etc

Example- Washing machine water level according to weight of clothes, automatic off hair dyer
when heatup, swimming

The following are some of the reasons why soft computing is needed:

1. Complexity of real-world problems: Many real-world problems are complex and involve
uncertainty, vagueness, and imprecision. Traditional computing methods are not well-
suited to handle these complexities.
2. Incomplete information: In many cases, there is a lack of complete and accurate
information available to solve a problem. Soft computing techniques can provide
approximate solutions even in the absence of complete information.
3. Noise and uncertainty: Real-world data is often noisy and uncertain, and classical methods
can produce incorrect results when dealing with such data. Soft computing techniques are
designed to handle uncertainty and imprecision.
4. Non-linear problems: Many real-world problems are non-linear, and classical methods are
not well-suited to solve them. Soft computing techniques such as fuzzy logic and neural
networks can handle non-linear problems effectively.
5. Human-like reasoning: Soft computing techniques are designed to mimic human-like
reasoning, which is often more effective in solving complex problems.
Concept of computing :
According to the concept of computing, the input is called an antecedent and the output is
called the consequent. For example, Adding information in DataBase, Compute the sum of two
numbers using a C program, etc.
There are two types of computing as following :

1. Hard computing

2. soft computing
Characteristics of hard computing :

 The precise result is guaranteed.

 The control action is formally defined (i.e. with a mathematical model)
Now, the question arises that if we have hard computing then why do we require the need for
soft computing.
.

Recent development in Soft Computing :

1. In the field of Big Data, soft computing working for data analyzing models, data behavior
models, data decision, etc.

2. In case of Recommender system, soft computing plays an important role for analyzing the
problem on the based of algorithm and works for precise results.

3. In Behavior and decision science, soft computing used in this for analyzing the behavior,
and model of soft computing works accordingly.

4. In the fields of Mechanical Engineering, soft computing is a role model for computing
problems such that how a machine will works and how it will make the decision for a
specific problem or input given.

5. In this field of Computer Engineering , you can say it is core part of soft computing and
computing working on advanced level like Machine learning, Artificial intelligence, etc.

Advantages of Soft Computing:

1. Robustness: Soft computing techniques are robust and can handle uncertainty,
imprecision, and noise in data, making them ideal for solving real-world problems.
2. Approximate solutions: Soft computing techniques can provide approximate solutions to
complex problems that are difficult or impossible to solve exactly.
3. Non-linear problems: Soft computing techniques such as fuzzy logic and neural networks
can handle non-linear problems effectively.
4. Human-like reasoning: Soft computing techniques are designed to mimic human-like
reasoning, which is often more effective in solving complex problems.
5. Real-time applications: Soft computing techniques can provide real-time solutions to
complex problems, making them ideal for use in real-time applications.

Disadvantages of Soft Computing:

1. Approximate solutions: Soft computing techniques provide approximate solutions, which

may not always be accurate.
2. Computationally intensive: Soft computing techniques can be computationally intensive,
making them unsuitable for use in some real-time applications.
3. Lack of transparency: Soft computing techniques can sometimes lack transparency, making
it difficult to understand how the solution was arrived at.
4. Difficulty in validation: The approximation techniques used in soft computing can
sometimes make it difficult to validate the results, leading to a lack of confidence in the
solution.
5. Complexity: Soft computing techniques can be complex and difficult to understand,
making it difficult to implement them effectively.

The main difference between Soft Computing and Hard Computing is their approach to solving
complex problems:
1. Hard Computing: Hard computing uses traditional mathematical methods to solve
problems, such as algorithms and mathematical models. It is based on deterministic and
precise calculations and is ideal for solving problems that have well-defined mathematical
solutions.
2. Soft Computing: Soft computing, on the other hand, uses techniques such as fuzzy logic,
neural networks, genetic algorithms, and other heuristic methods to solve problems. It is
based on the idea of approximation and is ideal for solving problems that are difficult or
impossible to solve exactly.
In summary, Hard Computing is more precise and relies on mathematical models, while Soft
Computing is more flexible and relies on approximate solutions.
Soft Computing could be a computing model evolved to resolve the non-linear issues that
involve unsure, imprecise and approximate solutions of a tangle. These sorts of issues square
measure thought of as real-life issues wherever the human-like intelligence is needed to resolve
it. Hard Computing is that the ancient approach employed in computing that desires
Associate in Nursing accurately declared analytical model. the outcome of hard computing
approach is a warranted, settled, correct result and defines definite management actions
employing a mathematical model or algorithmic rule. It deals with binary and crisp logic that
need the precise input file consecutive. Hard computing isn’t capable of finding the real world
problem’s solution.

Difference between Soft Computing and Hard Computing:

S.N
O Soft Computing Hard Computing

Soft Computing is liberal of inexactness,

Hard computing needs a exactly state
1. uncertainty, partial truth and
analytic model.
approximation.

Soft Computing relies on formal logic Hard computing relies on binary logic and
2.
and probabilistic reasoning. crisp system.
 S.N
O Soft Computing Hard Computing

Soft computing has the features of Hard computing has the features of
3.
approximation. exactitude(precision) and categoricity.

Soft computing is stochastic(random) in Hard computing is

4.
nature. deterministic( philosophical ) in nature.

Soft computing works on ambiguous and

5. Hard computing works on exact data.
noisy data.

Soft computing can perform parallel Hard computing performs sequential

6.
computations. computations.

Soft computing produces approximate

7. Hard computing produces precise results.
results.

Soft computing will emerge its own Hard computing requires programs to be
8.
programs. written.

Soft computing incorporates

9. Hard computing is settled.
randomness .

Soft computing will use multivalued

10. Hard computing uses two-valued logic.
logic.

Characteristics of soft computing :

 It may not yield a precise solution.

 Algorithms are adaptive.

 In soft computing, you can consider an example where you can see the evolution changes
for a specific species like the human nervous system and behavior of an Ant’s, etc.
 Learning from experimental data.
Need For Soft Computing :

 Many analytical models are valid for ideal cases. Real-world problems exist in a non-ideal
environment.
 Soft computing provides insights into real-world problems and is just not limited to theory.

 Hard computing is best suited for solving mathematical problems which give some precise
answers.

 Some important fields like Biology, Medicine and humanities, etc are still intractable using
Convention mathematical and Analytical models.

 It is possible to map the human mind with the help of Soft computing but it is not possible
with Convention mathematical and Analytical models.

From Conventional AI to Computational Intelligence

The transition from conventional AI to computational intelligence (CI) in soft computing
represents a shift towards more flexible, adaptive, and often more biologically inspired
approaches to problem-solving. Here’s a breakdown of how that shift unfolds:

1. Conventional AI (Classical AI):

Conventional AI generally refers to approaches based on formal logic, rule-based systems, and
symbolic reasoning. These systems are deterministic, meaning that they work with explicit, pre-
programmed rules and structured data to make decisions or infer knowledge. In traditional AI,
machine learning also focuses on creating models based on well-defined mathematical
frameworks, such as supervised learning with statistical methods.

Key Characteristics:

 Rule-based systems
 Symbolic reasoning
 Deterministic approaches
 Explicit programming (hard-coded rules)
 Traditional decision-making models based on logic and pre-defined information

2. Soft Computing (Computational Intelligence):

Soft computing, a subfield of AI, represents an alternative approach to traditional AI. It

encompasses a variety of techniques inspired by nature, human thinking, and biological
processes. The primary focus of soft computing is to deal with imprecision, uncertainty, and
approximation rather than requiring precise, exact solutions.

Key Techniques in Soft Computing:

 Neural Networks (NN): Mimics the human brain’s ability to learn and adapt, making it
suitable for tasks like pattern recognition, classification, and regression.
 Fuzzy Logic (FL): Uses degrees of truth rather than binary true/false logic, which allows
systems to deal with vagueness and uncertainty.
  Evolutionary Algorithms (EA): Techniques like Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Genetic
Programming (GP) are inspired by natural evolution, focusing on optimization and search
problems.
 Swarm Intelligence (SI): Inspired by the collective behavior of decentralized systems,
such as the movement patterns of birds or ants, often applied in optimization tasks (e.g.,
Particle Swarm Optimization).
 Rough Sets: Deals with approximations in decision-making, useful in situations where
knowledge is imprecise or incomplete.

3. Key Differences Between Conventional AI and Computational Intelligence:

 Flexibility and Adaptability: While conventional AI is rigid and relies on fixed rules,
soft computing systems are adaptive and can evolve over time (e.g., through learning or
optimization).
 Dealing with Uncertainty: Soft computing excels in environments where uncertainty
and imprecision are prevalent, unlike conventional AI, which often struggles with these
aspects.
 Real-World Applications: CI is better suited for real-world applications that require
approximation or handling of noisy, incomplete, or vague data. Conventional AI often
requires clean, structured data to perform effectively.

4. The Integration of Both:

Over time, there has been a blending of conventional AI with soft computing methods to create
hybrid systems that can leverage the strengths of both approaches. For example:

 Neuro-Fuzzy Systems combine neural networks with fuzzy logic to take advantage of
both learning ability and fuzzy reasoning.
 Genetic Algorithms can be combined with neural networks for optimization tasks.
 Swarm Intelligence can be integrated with other optimization models to enhance their
robustness.

Difference between AI and Soft Computing:

S.NO. A.I. SOFT COMPUTING

Soft Computing aims to exploit

Artificial Intelligence is the art and science of
1 tolerance for uncertainty, imprecision,
developing intelligent machines.
and partial truth.

Soft Computing comprises techniques

AI plays a fundamental role in finding which are inspired by human reasoning
2 missing pieces between the interesting real and have the potential in handling
world problems. imprecision, uncertainty and partial
truth.
S.NO. A.I. SOFT COMPUTING

Branches of AI : Branches of soft computing :

1. Reasoning 1. Fuzzy systems
3
2. Perception 2. Evolutionary computation
3. Natural language processing 3. Artificial neural computing

AI has countless applications in healthcare They are used in science and

4 and widely used in analyzing complicated engineering disciplines such as data
medical data. mining, electronics, automotive, etc.

It aims at accommodation with the

Goal is to stimulate human-level intelligence
5 pervasive imprecision of the real
in machines.
world.

They not require all programs to be

6 They require programs to be written. written, they can evolve its own
programs.

They can deal with ambiguous and

7 They require exact input sample.
noisy data.

Artificial Intelligence mainly deals with Soft computing mainly deals with the
8
making the machines intelligent. imprecision and probabilities.

AI is also used to solve problems that is at the

Soft computing solves the complicated
human level like pattern identification,
real-world situations to bring better
9 problem resolution, plan execution,
solutions that some researchers cannot
automating analytical jobs, detecting
quantitatively describe.
efficiencies and performance enhancement.

Applications of AI

Transport & tourism

Self driving cars

E-Commerce
Gaming

Entertainment