This paper provides a survey of research work done in different areas using atomic orbital search optimization algorithm (AOS). AOS is one of the new meta-heuristic’s algorithms for optimization problems. This algorithm’s core idea is based on some quantum mechanics concepts and the quantum-based atomic model, where the electrons surrounding the nucleus are generally arranged in a point of view. AOS is one of the more effective modern meta-heuristic optimization algorithms. It can be used in a variety of optimization problems in several domains, including flexible job shop scheduling, cloud computing, machine learning, engineering design, wireless networking, power and energy. This paper illustrates literature on AOS and its variant multiobjective atomic orbital search (MOAOS). Potential directions for future research on AOS and MOAOS are suggested in the conclusions, which center on the current works on the subject, after its applications, assessment and evaluation.