Balancing and sequencing problem of mixed-model U-shaped robotic assembly line: Mathematical model and dragonfly algorithm based approach

Abstract

Robotic assembly line outperforms labor assembly line in terms of efficiency and flexibility. This paper focuses on the mixed-model U-shaped robotic assembly line balancing and sequencing problem (MURALBSP). Different from most reported works, this paper includes the energy consideration. Two conflict objectives, i.e., energy consumption and makespan, are studied for energy saving and efficient production. To this end, a hybrid multi-objective dragonfly algorithm (HMODA) is proposed. First, the mathematical model of this bi-objective problem is formulated. Second, the basic dragonfly algorithm is improved to solve the problem. The specific encoding and decoding method is designed and the chaotic map is used to improve algorithm randomness. Besides, the solution update method is amended and multi-point crossover mechanism is employed. Finally, several multiple size benchmark problems are designed and comparisons are conducted, the sensitivity of decision variables is analyzed to provide managerial insights. The results suggest that HMODA is more efficient in solving the proposed problem than compared algorithms.