In order to solve the problems of slow convergence speed, low convergence accuracy and easy to fall into local optimization of artificial lemmings algorithm (ALA), a multi strategy improved artificial lemmings algorithm (IALA) is proposed. Firstly, Hammersley sequence is introduced to initialize the population of the algorithm, so that the initial population has better search ability; then the reverse differential mutation mechanism is used to improve the diversity of the population and enhance the ability of the algorithm to escape from the local optimum; finally, through the soft frost ice search mechanism, the algorithm takes into account the local and global characteristics in the optimization process, which improves the optimization ability and convergence speed of the algorithm. In order to verify the effectiveness of the improved algorithm, nine benchmark functions are selected to compare the improved algorithm. The comparison results show that IALA has faster convergence speed and higher convergence accuracy. Finally, the improved algorithm is applied to the simulation experiment of robot path planning on three kinds of complex maps. The results show that compared with the original algorithm ala, the improved algorithm IALA in the first kind of map, the optimal value of path decreases by 0.64%, and the average value decreases by 2.86%; in the second map, the optimal value of path decreased by 10.24%, and the average value decreased by 6.91%; in the last map, the optimal value of the path decreased by 2.6%, and the average value decreased by 1.3%. It is proved that the improved algorithm has better path optimization ability.