Evolutionary Approaches to the Linear Machine Layout Problem

Abstract

Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMSs) cope with multi-product, usually small sized production. In this research work we investigate the use of evolutionary methods to solve the linear or single-row layout problem, which is the most commonly implemented layout in FMSs. Three different approaches, based on Ant Colony Optimization, Genetic Algorithms and Particle Swarm Optimization are tested. The experimental results show that a near optimal solution can be found for all three methods, exploiting only a small portion of the feasible solution space, pinpointing once more the merit of using evolutionary algorithms to tackle difficult combinatorial problems.