Abstract: As a new type of intelligent optimization method, artificial colony algorithm possesses a vast of advantages, such as having fewer parameters, faster speed of convergence, easier combination with other algorithms and especially strong robustness. Therefore, because of many scholars‘’concern, the algorithm gets improvements and extensive applications. Firstly, the basic principle of artificial colony algorithm is introduced; Secondly, aiming at the shortcomings of the algorithm, the improvements of the algorithm are comprehensively summarized throughout the research of domestic and overseas, and it mainly concentrated on the bee initialization method, the improvement of update and adjust strategy, the selection of fitness function and combination with other algorithms; Thirdly, the applications of artificial colony algorithm are reviewed from many aspects; Finally, the development direction of artificial colony algorithm in the future is discussed.

Key words: artificial bee colony algorithm, review, swarm intelligence, research status