Abstract

In this study, a simulation optimization method is applied in order to find the optimal design of a U-shape assembly line. The optimality criterion is the minimum number of needed stations. While many previous works use deterministic models to solve this problem, a simulation approach is applied in this study to consider the stochastic nature of the problem. On other hand, when we use a simulation method, a better understanding of system behavior can be obtained through the evolution of system. Another case that is considered in this study is the failures of conveyers which happen in the real world and the fatigue of operators is considered too. The procedure is as follows: first, an initial design of system is obtained by an optimizer (here Genetic Algorithm) with an initial given parameters. Second, the output of the optimizer is used to implement a simulation model in Visual Slam. Third, after running the model in simulator, the desired outputs are evaluated and the necessary changes will be made to optimizer parameters. Fourth, again the optimizer is used to generate new design with new parameters.

Keywords:

Assembly line balancing problem, mathematical programming, simulation, single line,

References

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

Open Access Policy

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Copyright

The authors have no competing interests.