Assembly Line Design: The Balancing of Mixed-Model Hybrid Assembly Lines with Genetic Algorithms

Efficient assembly line design is a problem of industrial importance. Assembly line design is often complex due to the multiple components involved: efficiency, cost and space. The aim is to integrate the design with operations issues, minimising costs.

It is important to give the designer tools to help him meet the different objectives. 3 techniques based on the Grouping Genetic Algorithm are presented which can be used to aid assembly line design:

- 'equal piles for assembly lines' deals with assembly line balancing (balancing stations' loads);

- a method based on a multiple objective grouping genetic algorithm (MO-GGA) deals with resource planning (selection of equipment);

- 'balance for operation', deals with the changes during the operation of assembly lines.

This book will interest technical personnel in design, planning and production departments in industry as well as managers in industry. It will also be of use to researchers and postgraduates in mechanical, manufacturing or micro-engineering.