Robust control design for quantum systems has been recognized as a key task in quantum information technology, molecular chemistry, and atomic physics. In this paper, an improved differential evolution algorithm, referred to as multiple-samples and mixed-strategy DE (msMS_DE), is proposed to search robust fields for various quantum control problems. In msMS_DE, multiple samples are used for fitness evaluation and a mixed strategy is employed for the mutation operation. In particular, the msMS_DE algorithm is applied to the control problems of: 1) open inhomogeneous quantum ensembles and 2) the consensus goal of a quantum network with uncertainties. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the excellent performance of the improved machine learning algorithm for these two classes of quantum robust control problems. Furthermore, msMS_DE is experimentally implemented on femtosecond (fs) laser control applications to optimize two-photon absorption and control fragmentation of the molecule CH2BrI. The experimental results demonstrate the excellent performance of msMS_DE in searching for effective fs laser pulses for various tasks.