A hybrid swarm intelligence approach for optimizing Multimodal Large Language Models deployment in edge-cloud-based Federated Learning environments

The combination of Federated Learning (FL), Multimodal Large Language Models ( MLLMs ), and edge-cloud computing enables distributed and real-time data processing while preserving privacy across edge devices and cloud infrastructure. However, the deployment of MLLMs in FL environments with resource-constrained edge devices presents significant challenges, including resource management, communication overhead, and non-IID data. To address these challenges, we propose a novel hybrid framework wherein MLLMs are deployed on edge devices equipped with sufficient resources and battery life, while the majority of training occurs in the cloud. To identify suitable edge devices for deployment, we employ Particle Swarm Optimization ( PSO ), and Ant Colony Optimization ( ACO ) is utilized to optimize the transmission of model updates between edge and cloud nodes. This proposed swarm intelligence-based framework aims to enhance the efficiency of MLLM training by conducting extensive training in the cloud and fine-tuning at the edge, thereby reducing energy consumption and communication costs. The framework is particularly applicable in Unmanned Vehicle System (UVS)-based edge-cloud computing environments, where efficient resource management and real-time decision-making are critical for autonomous operations. The autonomous nature of UVS requires efficient resource management and a reliable communication system. The proposed swarm intelligence-based framework aims to satisfy these requirements through optimized edge device selection, while minimizing communication overhead. Our experimental results show that the proposed method significantly improves system performance, achieving an accuracy of 92%, reducing communication cost by 30%, and enhancing client participation compared to traditional FL methods. These results make the proposed approach highly suitable for large-scale edge-cloud computing systems.