Abstract
The novelty of this research lies in presenting a fresh stochastic algorithm enthused via 'Velociraptor' social intelligence in wildlife (or nature), known as the Velociraptor Group Optimization algorithm (VROA). In this strategy, 'Velociraptor' co-operative natural life cycle is mathematically framed, and novel mechanisms are presented to perform search (or exploration) and hunting (or exploitation). This suggests that the proposed method reveals a noteworthy ability in both exploitation and exploration. Furthermore, it successfully stabilities exploration and exploitation, supporting the search process. In the direction of evaluating the VROA, we utilized it on 51 CEC'17, CEC'20, and CEC'22 standard benchmark suites and six multidisciplinary engineering optimization functions. Furthermore, well-known statistical methods like Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Friedman's test have been used to verify the strength of the proposed algorithm against various optimizers. The tabulated numerical and statistical solutions show that VROA performs better than recent optimizers on most standard test suites and has efficiently attained the most competent resolution while concurrently upholding adherence to the designated constraints. The results validate that VROA can offer efficient and accurate optimal solutions in evaluation with recent metaheuristics.