Fuzzy A* for optimum Path Planning in a Large Maze

 Traditional A* path planning, while guaranteeing the shortest path with an admissible heuristic, often employs conservative heuristic functions that neglect potential obstacles and map inaccuracies. This can lead to inefficient searches and increased memory usage in complex environments. To address this, machine learning methods have been explored to predict cost functions, reducing memory load while maintaining optimal solutions. However, these require extensive data collection and struggle in novel, intricate environments. We propose the Fuzzy A* algorithm, an enhancement of the classic A* method, incorporating a new determinant variable to adjust heuristic cost calculations. This adjustment modulates the scope of scanned vertices during searches, optimizing memory usage and computational efficiency. In our approach, unlike traditional A* heuristics that overlook environmental complexities, the Fuzzy A* employs a dynamic heuristic function. This function, leveraging fuzzy logic principles, adapts to varying levels of environmental complexity, allowing a more nuanced estimation of the path cost that considers potential obstructions and route feasibility. This adaptability contrasts with standard machine learning-based solutions, which, while effective in known environments, often falter in unfamiliar or highly complex settings due to their reliance on pre-existing datasets. Our experimental framework involved 100 maze-solving trials in diverse maze configurations, ranging from simple to highly intricate layouts, to evaluate the effectiveness of Fuzzy A*. We employed specific metrics such as path length, computational time, and memory usage for a comprehensive assessment. The results showcased that Fuzzy A* consistently found the shortest paths (99.96% success rate) and significantly reduced memory usage by 67% and 59% compared to Breadth-First-Search (BFS) and traditional A*, respectively. These findings underline the effectiveness of our modified heuristic approach in diverse and challenging environments, highlighting its potential for real-world pathfinding applications

Towards Fault Diagnosis in Reconfigurable Robot

東京電機大学201

A complex systems approach to education in Switzerland

The insights gained from the study of complex systems in biological, social, and engineered systems enables us not only to observe and understand, but also to actively design systems which will be capable of successfully coping with complex and dynamically changing situations. The methods and mindset required for this approach have been applied to educational systems with their diverse levels of scale and complexity. Based on the general case made by Yaneer Bar-Yam, this paper applies the complex systems approach to the educational system in Switzerland. It confirms that the complex systems approach is valid. Indeed, many recommendations made for the general case have already been implemented in the Swiss education system. To address existing problems and difficulties, further steps are recommended. This paper contributes to the further establishment complex systems approach by shedding light on an area which concerns us all, which is a frequent topic of discussion and dispute among politicians and the public, where billions of dollars have been spent without achieving the desired results, and where it is difficult to directly derive consequences from actions taken. The analysis of the education system's different levels, their complexity and scale will clarify how such a dynamic system should be approached, and how it can be guided towards the desired performance