Optimisation of AGVs path layout in flexible manufacturing system using 0-1 linear integer programming

Abstract

The use of AGVs has grown enormously since their introduction. The number of areas of application and variation in types has increased significantly. Flow path design is an important factor in the design of automated guided vehicle systems (AGVS). In this paper, problem of optimal flow path layout design of automated guided vehicles in the flexible manufacturing system is discussed. The problem is analysed and formulated as 0–1 linear integer programming model with the objective of minimising the total distance travelled by individual loaded AGV. An illustrative example of a layout consisting of four manufacturing cells with 16 nodes and 19 arcs is discussed to demonstrate the approach. In this approach only the movement of loaded vehicles with the unidirectional flow is considered. A general linear optimisation computer software package, named LINGO 14 is used to find out the optimal flow path for the layout.