A MCDM-Based Meta-Heuristic Approach for U-shaped Disassembly Line Balancing Problem

Abstract

Since the rapid development of technology advancement and accelerated upgrading rate of mechanical, electrical, and electronic equipment, dealing with the recovery, recycling, and remanufacturing of end-of-life (EOL) products are of increasing importance. The disassembly line balancing problem (DLBP) aims at addressing such concern in the most efficient and effective manner. In this paper, a meta-heuristic approach involving both multi-criterion decision making (MCDM) and variable neighborhood search (VNS) is proposed to the U-shaped layout of the disassembly line. Following the MCDM method combining fuzzy set theory, grey relational analysis, and Choquet fuzzy integral, an improved VNS approach with a specially designed decoding method is utilized to balance a U-shaped line with three hierarchical objectives. Finally, computational experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.