Abstract: To address the complexity and time-consuming nature of current optimization studies on coal pillar width for gob-side roadway driving, the Polar Lights Optimizer (PLO) algorithm is introduced to automatically optimize the coal pillar width. The study employed theoretical analysis, intelligent optimization, and field tests to investigate the depth of lateral breakage of the basic roof into the coal seam along the gob-side roadway, determined the stress field distribution range within gob-side roadway and identified the reasonable layout area for the roadway. Based on roadway layout principles and limit equilibrium theory, the range of coal pillar widths to be retained was determined to be 1.5 to 7.0 m. A coal pillar width optimization method based on the PLO algorithm was proposed, establishing a fitness function using surrounding rock deformation of the gob-side roadway as the evaluation index. After iterative optimization, the optimal coal pillar width was determined to be 7.0 m. Based on the optimal coal pillar width, a combined support scheme of anchor rods and cable nets for the gob-side roadway was designed. Field practice results showed that the 7.0 m coal pillar and integrated control technology effectively controlled the surrounding rock deformation of the gob-side roadway during excavation and mining, maintained the overall stability of the roadway, improved coal resource recovery, and maximized economic benefits.