Abstract
Over the last few years, the field of global optimization has been very active producing a wide range of optimization algorithms, particularly in the field of metaheuristics. Nowadays, metaheuristics are extensively used to solve optimization problems in all fields due to their simplicity and competitive performance. Competition Over Resource (COR) is a novel metaheuristic algorithm inspired by a natural phenomenon that is based on the competitive behavior of animal groups. In this paper, the COR algorithm is presented and then applied to optimize a magnetic actuator benchmark. The results obtained in the paper indicate that the COR algorithm is very competitive and therefore offers a reliable alternative method for the optimal design of magnetic actuators.