An Approach that Combines Mathematical Optimization and Machine Learning
Trend

An Approach that Combines Mathematical Optimization and Machine Learning

Machine learning (ML) is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that allows businesses to make sense of large amounts of data and learn something. Through mathematical optimization, it can help to interpret the correctness of data and improve the decision-making basis of machine learning.
Published: Sep 20, 2022
An Approach that Combines Mathematical Optimization and Machine Learning

Mathematical Optimization and Machine Learning:

Mathematical optimization is a powerful decision-making tool. Mathematical optimization helps to make the best decision in the current situation by formulating the objective within the objective and specifying constraints and variables. The value of mathematical optimization has been demonstrated in many different industries such as aviation, logistics, power, and finance.

Machine learning is a subfield of artificial intelligence. Computers can recognize patterns in data and learn to predict the future, can generate clusters, detect anomalies, or generate new music or images. The possibilities are endless. Machine learning methods of supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning can all be applied in a variety of industries, such as healthcare and even the arts. Machine learning models are all about probability and predicting the probability of something that will happen.

But be aware that when the data changes too much, the machine learning model becomes useless and the model needs to be retrained or rebuilt from scratch. Mathematical optimization requires clear instructions and a good mathematical description. It cannot handle unstructured data like machine learning. Also, if the problem becomes too large, you may need a commercial solver to solve the problem. Some problems are better suited for machine learning, while in other cases mathematical optimization is better. You should use machine learning when you want to discover patterns in data, find similar data samples, or predict the weather. Mathematical optimization is a better choice if you want to create a schedule, find the best location for a facility, or minimize the cost of a problem.

How do you Combine ML and MO?

  • Use machine learning predictions as constraints in the optimization model:
    This is the most straightforward way to combine ML and MO. Machine learning is first used to make predictions, which are used as input to an optimization problem. You can use the output of a machine learning model to set constraints.
  • Use optimization decisions as training features in machine learning models:
    The model is first optimized to make decisions, and the decisions are used as features in the machine learning model. In practice, this approach is less common as most decisions (MO) follow prediction (ML). But it is possible and may be useful in specific projects. Mathematical optimization is widely used in logistics. If you use optimization to decide how much supply you need to ship from the production plant to the market, it can save a lot of time, money, and resources.
  • Use the machine learning output to determine the scope of the mathematical optimization model:
    In addition to using machine learning outputs directly in optimization problems, you can also choose to combine them more separately. You use them in the same project, but not in the same process. You can use machine learning output to make mathematical optimization problems smaller. You can use machine learning to determine the scope of an optimized model that can be solved in less time.
  • Using optimization to solve machine learning research problems:
    This is an area of research that uses optimization to help solve machine learning challenges. You can use optimization to find an optimal set of parameters for a machine learning problem. ML and MO are tightly integrated here because you use optimization in your ML problem. When building regression models, removing irrelevant features will make the model more interpretable and less prone to overfitting the data. It is difficult to find the optimal subset of features, which is called the optimal subset selection problem. The speed of mixed integer programming has improved significantly over the past few decades, making it useful to test it on existing problems. Tested this issue and it works fine.

What is the Improvement of Machine Learning?

Building a machine learning application involves taking a single learner, such as logistic regression, decision tree, support vector machine, or artificial neural network, feeding it data, and using that data to teach it to perform a specific task.

Whereas ensemble methods involve using many learners to improve the performance of any one learner individually. These methods can be described as techniques that use a set of weak learners together to create a more powerful aggregated learner. Usually, ensemble methods are built by grouping variants of a single decision tree.

What are the Different Types of Machine Learning Systems?

The amount and type of supervision that a machine learning model requires during training.

  • Supervised learning:
    Machine learning systems are translated into computer algorithms. All data are labeled, telling the machine the corresponding value to provide the machine learning to use when judging the error in the output. This method is manual classification, such as telling the machine the standard answer, and the machine will answer according to the standard answer, and the correctness will be higher. If the data you use to feed the algorithm includes the desired solution, you are in front of a supervised learning system.
  • Unsupervised learning:
    This type of system is provided without the required solution (without the label). All data are not marked, and the machine classifies them by looking for the characteristics of the data. such as anomaly detection. This algorithm is useful for situations such as detecting product defects or product label records.
  • Semi-supervised learning:
    In this case, you have both labeled and unlabeled data. A small part of the data is marked, and the computer only needs to find the features through the marked data and classify the other data. So, a semi-supervised learning algorithm is a combination of an unsupervised algorithm and a supervised algorithm.
  • Batch learning:
    The system cannot do incremental learning, it must be trained using all available data. Since this is an expensive and time-consuming process, it is usually done offline. Once the system is in production, it will only apply what it has learned before, and not learn anymore.
  • e-learning:
    In online learning, the system is incrementally trained by providing data instances sequentially using mini-batches of data. Each learning step is fast and cheap, so the system can learn about new data instantly as it arrives. These algorithms are useful when your data changes rapidly or when computing resources are limited.
  • Example-based learning:
    In instance-based learning, the system learns from examples and then generalizes to new cases by comparing them to the learned examples using a similarity measure.
  • Model-based learning:
    Another way to generalize from a set of examples is to build a model of those examples and then use that model to make predictions.
Published by Sep 20, 2022 Source :towardsdatascience, Source :medium

Further reading

You might also be interested in ...

Headline
Trend
Innovation in the Medical Consumables Industry Amidst Global Trends
The global healthcare industry is currently undergoing a pivotal paradigm shift. Every macroeconomic trend—from demographic changes, the geopolitical reshaping of supply chains, and the convergence of biotechnology and digitalization, to the urgent demand for environmental sustainability—profoundly impacts the dynamics and trajectory of the medical device market. Against this backdrop, the medical consumables industry must not merely adapt; it must proactively lead innovation and become a key driver in building resilient healthcare defenses.
Headline
Trend
From Components to Systems: Unveiling the Core Drivers of Robotics Industry Trends
Artificial intelligence and automation technologies are advancing at a rapid pace, driving large‑scale deployments of robots across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and service sectors. This momentum is propelling overall industry upgrades and operational efficiency leaps. Amid this wave, mastering the manufacture of high‑precision, high‑reliability core components has become the decisive factor in market competitiveness.
Headline
Trend
The Purifying Force Between Industries: The Evolution and Trends of Cutting Fluid Recycling Systems
Over the past decade, cutting fluid recycling and regeneration technologies have evolved from auxiliary support services into essential core equipment and processes within manufacturing. Recycling and reusing cutting fluids reduce raw material and water waste, making production processes more aligned with circular economy principles. According to market forecasts, the global cutting fluid market size will reach USD 3.78 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 5.64 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4.3%. Among this, the market for regeneration equipment and treatment services is expanding particularly rapidly, reaching about USD 1.31 billion in 2024 and projected to double to USD 2.61 billion by 2033, with a CAGR as high as 7.8%.
Headline
Trend
Future Trends and Key Technological Breakthroughs in Plastic Recycling Equipment
As global environmental awareness continues to grow, the plastic recycling industry is presented with new development opportunities. However, the sector still faces multiple challenges, including improving recycling rates, efficiently sorting various types of plastics, and reducing operational costs.Plastic recycling involves sorting, cleaning, and processing waste plastics into reusable materials, helping reduce pollution and promote resource reuse.
Headline
Trend
The Shift to Onshoring: How Taiwan’s Supply Chain Strength Is Drawing Global Investment
Recently, increasing geopolitical tensions and global supply chain disruptions resulting from the pandemic have caused multinational corporations to rethink the structure of their supply chains. To mitigate risks and improve resilience, a growing number of manufacturers are shifting their operations from offshoring to onshoring and nearshoring. Thanks to its robust manufacturing ecosystem, strategic location, and technological expertise, Taiwan has emerged as a key destination for advanced manufacturing and high-value component production. Backed by a highly skilled workforce, resilient infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing capabilities, Taiwan is deeply integrated into global technology supply chains and offers stable, tech-driven production networks. These strengths position Taiwan as an ideal onshoring partner and are drawing renewed global investment.
Headline
Trend
Custom Mold and Die Services in Southeast Asia: Taiwan’s Competitive Edge
Custom tooling is the foundation of precision manufacturing, enabling the production of everything from smartphone casings and automotive parts to packaging components and medical devices. In this fast-growing market, Taiwan had remained a trusted leader, delivering advanced tooling solutions that meet the speed, complexity, and quality demands of modern industry.
Headline
Trend
Taiwan's E-Bike Export Surge: Key Markets and Trends Driving Growth
Taiwan's e-bike industry has experienced significant fluctuations in recent years. After reaching a peak in 2022, exports faced a downturn in 2024, with a 47% decline in e-bike exports compared to the previous year. Despite these challenges, the industry is showing signs of recovery and adaptation, positioning itself for future growth. Taiwan has rapidly emerged as a global leader in this booming sector. Once primarily recognized for traditional bicycle manufacturing, Taiwan has transformed into a high-tech hub for premium electric mobility solutions.
Headline
Trend
Taiwan's Strategic Role in Global Data Storage and Memory Supply Chains
With its robust semiconductor industry, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and strategic investments, Taiwan contributes significantly to the production and innovation of memory technologies essential for various applications, from consumer electronics to data centers.
Headline
Trend
Taiwan’s Medical Device Manufacturing: The Medical Devices Act and Its Global Significance
In recent years, Taiwan has emerged as a significant player in the global medical device industry—an ascent shaped not only by its advanced manufacturing capabilities but also by bold regulatory transformation. At the heart of this transformation is the Medical Devices Act, a landmark piece of legislation that redefined how medical technologies are developed, approved, and marketed within Taiwan. Driven by the need to align with international standards and respond to the growing complexity of modern medical technologies, the Act has introduced a risk-based regulatory framework, streamlined approval processes, and facilitated global market access. These reforms have strengthened Taiwan’s position as a competitive and trusted source of medical devices for global healthcare markets. Taiwan's medical device industry is now undergoing rapid growth, propelled by this regulatory clarity, continued investment in high-tech innovation, and rising global demand for safe, effective, and export-ready medical solutions. For manufacturers and investors looking to access the international medical device market, Taiwan offers a strategically evolving landscape that is both business-friendly and globally connected.
Headline
Trend
Taiwan’s Strategic Role in the Global Solar and Battery Market: Opportunities and Innovations
Taiwan’s solar generation reached 12.9 billion kWh in 2023, providing almost 48% of Taiwan’s total renewable energy generation. The focus of the government on energy security and sustainability aligns with the expansion of solar energy infrastructure. The growing electricity demand is pushing the need for additional solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, particularly in industrial and commercial sectors, which are significant consumers of electricity in Taiwan. Moreover, the energy requirements of the industrial sector are driving the adoption of large-scale solar PV projects. In parallel, Taiwan's battery market is expected to reach USD 0.77 billion by 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 14.3% to USD 1.49 billion by 2030. The government plans to accumulate 590 MW of battery-based energy storage by 2025, with significant contributions from both public and private sectors.
Headline
Trend
Powering the Future: New Energy Vehicles, Sustainable Manufacturing, and Challenges
In the quest for a sustainable and eco-friendly future, the automotive industry is witnessing a profound transformation with the emergence of New Energy Vehicles. New Energy Vehicles, commonly known as NEVs, encompass a wide range of vehicles powered by alternative energy sources or a combination of traditional and renewable energy technologies. The implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices and collaboration among stakeholders presents challenges for NEV development as well as great potential for market growth.
Headline
Trend
Charging Ahead: Recharging Infrastructure in the Electric Vehicle Industry
As the electric vehicle (EV) revolution gains momentum worldwide, one of the critical pillars supporting this transition is the development of a robust recharging infrastructure network. This network plays a pivotal role in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, ensuring convenience, accessibility, and sustainability for EV owners. Factors contributing to the acceptance of EVs and their associated recharging infrastructure include environmental awareness, advancements in battery technology, vehicle design, the expanding range of available EV models, and the implementation of government incentives to promote these new technologies.
Agree