Mixed-integer programming for robotic assembly line balancing considering cross-station task and carbon footprint

Abstract

Robotic assembly lines are widely applied to process workflow, increase capacity, and easily produce a wide range of products because of their flexibility and multifunctionality. Robotic assembly line balancing problem (RALBP) refers to allocating the tasks and robots to workstations in order to maximize the line efficiency, which has become a popular research direction recently. In this paper, we propose a mixed-integer programming model to optimize the carbon footprint of the RALBP. Minimizing carbon footprint can reduce global greenhouse effect and atmospheric dust pollution, which is a very significant environmental topic in the world. We also investigate a realistic production process design in our model—cross-station task. In this design, a task can be operated by the station to which it is assigned as well as the adjacent stations. The model is solved by a commercial solver (Gurobi) and some results are presented.