This paper presents a new model based on simulated annealing algorithm (ASA) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for shape optimization and its applications to electromagnetic devices. The proposed model uses ANFIS system to evaluate the electromagnetic performance of the device. Both the ANFIS and ASA method are applied to the design/optimization of the electromagnetic actuator. The results of the proposed approach are compared with other techniques such as: method of moving asymptotes, penalty method, augmented lagrangian genetic algorithm and simulated annealing method (SA). Among the algorithms, the proposed ANFIS-ASA approach significantly outperforms the other methods.