Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Thiago Cantos Lopes, Adalberto Sato Michels, Celso Gustavo Stall Sikora, Nadia Brauner, Leandro Magatao
Summary: This study introduces an economically robust solution to the assembly line balancing problem by designing assembly lines that allow flexible alternation between cycle times in response to demand fluctuations. A mixed-integer linear programming model is used to describe the problem, with a heuristic procedure implemented to quickly generate high-quality solutions.
COMPUTERS & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Robotics
Hyungjoon Yang, Je-Hun Lee, Sang Hyun Lee, Seung Gi Lee, Hyung Rok Kim, Hyun-Jung Kim
Summary: The task assignment and worker balancing problem in assembly lines is crucial for maximizing productivity. This study focuses on a real automotive parts assembly line where multiple workers perform various tasks simultaneously in a workstation, with each worker's processing time varying. New positional constraints are introduced to ensure each worker's working space. The goal is to minimize cycle time, and a filtered beam search algorithm is proposed to efficiently solve large-scale instances.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Sadegh Niroomand
Summary: The study examines the impact of different equipment models on assembly line tasks, proposing meta-heuristic algorithms to solve the assembly line balancing problem. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the artificial electric field algorithm and simulated annealing algorithm.
KNOWLEDGE-BASED SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Zhongkai Bao, Lu Chen, Kejun Qiu
Summary: In this study, the balancing problem of an aircraft final assembly line (AFAL) is investigated. The objective is to assign assembly tasks to workstations in a way that balances their cycle time and minimizes the resource investment cost. An integer linear programming model is developed and a two-stage heuristic approach is proposed, involving task assignment construction and improvement. The proposed approach outperforms existing methods and its variants, as demonstrated by computational experiments and a real case study.
COMPUTERS & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Eduardo alvarez-Miranda, Sebastian Chace, Jordi Pereira
Summary: The study investigates a variant of the simple assembly line balancing problem and examines the impact of parallel workstations on achieving maximum theoretical efficiency. By analyzing the complexity of the problem and proposing a heuristic solution, a new approach to improving the efficiency of the assembly process is introduced.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Thiago Cantos Lopes, Nadia Brauner, Leandro Magatao
Summary: The study shows that fractional allocations often lead to better resource utilization with relatively low costs. Higher space requirement costs are typically one-time investments, while lower cycle time represents fundamentally continuous gains.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Abdul Salam Khan, Razaullah Khan, Waqas Saleem, Bashir Salah, Soliman Alkhatib
Summary: This study addresses the line balancing problem in a reconfigurable manufacturing environment by allocating workstations and configurations and scheduling operations. A multi-objective model is proposed to minimize completion time and maximize line efficiency. A heuristic solution approach is used to evaluate different solutions.
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Jun Guo, Zhipeng Pu, Baigang Du, Yibing Li
Summary: The paper introduces a hybrid production line balancing problem that considers the similarity between assembly and disassembly tasks. A mathematical model of the multi-objective stochastic hybrid production line balancing problem is presented, and a hybrid VNS-NSGA II algorithm is proposed to solve it, demonstrating the superiority of the hybrid production line and the effectiveness of the proposed method through computational comparisons and case studies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Kai Meng, Qiuhua Tang, Zikai Zhang, Chunlong Yu
Summary: This paper addresses the impact of preventive maintenance on assembly line balancing and proposes heuristic rules and an enhanced optimization algorithm to improve production efficiency and smoothness. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed methods.
ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Manufacturing
Maximilian Johannes Schlueter, Frederik Ferid Ostermeier
Summary: Dynamic line balancing is a promising approach to achieve both equal loads for operators and high throughput for manufacturers. Tasks can be shared between adjacent stations in addition to the fixed allocated tasks.
CIRP JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Morteza Khorram, Mahmood Eghtesadifard, Sadegh Niroomand
Summary: This paper studies a new U-shaped assembly line balancing problem, optimizing equipment cost, number of stations, and activity performing quality level simultaneously by activity to station and worker to station decisions. Classical algorithms and meta-heuristics are used to propose two hybrid versions for better performance, with computational study proving their superiority over the classical algorithms.
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Muhammet Ceyhan Sahin, Mustafa Kemal Tural
Summary: To stay competitive and adapt to the Industry 4.0 revolution, manufacturing companies are incorporating robots in their assembly processes to replace human workers. This study focuses on the impact of robots on cycle time in stochastic assembly lines with human-robot collaboration. The research proposes formulations and conducts computational studies to explore the stochastic assembly line balancing problem and evaluate the effects of robots on cycle times.
FLEXIBLE SERVICES AND MANUFACTURING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Shi-Gen Liao, Yi-Bo Zhang, Chun-Yan Sang, Hui Liu
Summary: This study models and solves the mixed-model two-sided assembly line balancing and sequencing problem with unpaced synchronous transfer using a genetic algorithm. A mathematical model is established for the balancing and sequencing problem, with a focus on Type-II balancing. An improved genetic algorithm is proposed, which utilizes a combination and evaluation mechanism to effectively solve the problem. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and superior performance of the proposed algorithm.
APPLIED SOFT COMPUTING
(2023)
Article
Operations Research & Management Science
Reza Ramezanian, Sadjad Khalesi
Summary: The paper discusses the integration of multi-product Supply Chain Network designing and ALB, presenting a Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming model and the application of two meta-heuristic algorithms, GA and ICA. The results show that the optimal cost value of the integrated mode is better than the total cost functions of the two separate sub-problems.
OPERATIONAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yuling Jiao, Nan Cao, Jin Li, Lin Li, Xue Deng
Summary: The aim of this study is to improve the sustainable development of the manufacturing industry, specifically focusing on reducing idle time and improving balance efficiency in the product assembly process. Through measuring task time, analyzing product structure, and designing assembly processes, a priority relationship diagram and a type-E balance model for a U-shaped assembly line are established and solved using a heuristic algorithm. The results show that the heuristic algorithm achieves a slightly higher load balancing degree compared to the genetic algorithm and simulated annealing, but has a lower balance efficiency. This study provides a reference for the U-shaped assembly line, type-E balance, and assembly products in laboratories.
Article
Management
Albert Corominas, Alberto Garcia-Villoria, Nestor-Andres Gonzalez, Rafael Pastor
JOURNAL OF THE OPERATIONAL RESEARCH SOCIETY
(2019)
Review
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Harry Aguilar, Alberto Garcia-Villoria, Rafael Pastor
COMPUTERS & OPERATIONS RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Thermodynamics
Alberto Garcia-Villoria, Bruno Domenech, Laia Ferrer-Mart, Marc Juanpera, Rafael Pastor
Article
Thermodynamics
R. Galleguillos-Pozo, B. Domenech, L. Ferrer-Marti, R. Pastor
Summary: This study addresses the issue of demand uncertainty in designing electricity access projects for developing countries, using fuzzy logic to simultaneously solve the sizing and siting challenges. A mathematical model introduced uncertainty through five different fuzzy logic assumptions, with the new approaches achieving higher satisfaction regarding cost and electricity supply. The proposal can help promoters in achieving a better balance between project cost and demand supplied in complex estimation scenarios.
Article
Computer Science, Theory & Methods
M. Juanpera, B. Domenech, L. Ferrer-Marti, A. Garcia-Villoria, R. Pastor
Summary: This article introduces a Methodology for Integrated Multicriteria Decision-making with Uncertainty (MIMDU), which considers both linguistic terms and lack of confidence in the decision-making process. The methodology utilizes fuzzy rating scales and a compromised ranking method to rank alternatives, and provides a systematic procedure for result interpretation. The potential application of MIMDU is demonstrated through a generic example case, highlighting its usefulness in different sectors.
FUZZY SETS AND SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. Juanpera, B. Domenech, L. Ferrer-Marti, A. Garzon, R. Pastor
Summary: This study compares the long-term impact of electrification projects using different options for electricity generation and distribution in rural communities. Microgrid projects require community involvement, while individual systems need efficient management for repair funding; hydro provides continuous quality supply, solar and wind offer flexibility. Planning a well-managed model is essential for reducing default rates, organizing effective maintenance, and supporting sustainable community development.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Management
Enric Andreu-Casas, Alberto Garcia-Villoria, Rafael Pastor
Summary: This paper investigates a variant of the multi-manned assembly line balancing problem, taking into account the possibility of multiple workers performing different tasks simultaneously at the same workstation. It addresses the issue of task time dependency on the number of workers and proposes various procedures to solve the problem. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed heuristic method outperforms existing approaches and achieves better results.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. Juanpera, L. Ferrer-Marti, R. Pastor
Summary: Rural electrification planning should consider different distribution options and energy sources to ensure long-term sustainability. This paper investigates how to gradually organize electricity extension in a region to maximize overall satisfaction, and which technology options should be promoted based on various criteria. A mixed-integer linear programming model is developed and validated with computational experiments and a case study. The results show that the proposed new plans significantly increase overall satisfaction in the electrification of the region.
Article
Computer Science, Theory & Methods
Sergio Gonzalo, Joan Manuel Marques, Alberto Garcia-Villoria, Javier Panadero, Laura Calvet
Summary: Volunteer Computing is a large-scale distributed system formed by aggregating computers voluntarily donated by volunteers, with resource allocation highly dependent on availability. This paper introduces a novel resource allocation mechanism CLARA, which utilizes complementarities between nodes with low availability patterns to maximize service capacity and reduce high-available nodes' workload.
FUTURE GENERATION COMPUTER SYSTEMS-THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ESCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Antonin Ponsich, Bruno Domenech, Laia Ferrer-Marti, Marc Juanpera, Rafael Pastor
Summary: This study introduces a strategy based on Multi-objective Optimization to find the best balance between the total cost of the system and the energy and power supplied to consumers. The working parameters and internal operators of the computational process were finely tuned through numerical comparisons of various pruning techniques. Computational experiments demonstrated the relevance of the proposed approach in providing a reduced number of solutions with distinct features for decision-makers to choose from.
EXPERT SYSTEMS WITH APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Alberto Garcia-Villoria, Rafael Pastor-Moreno
Summary: The study uses an integer linear programming model to solve an outlet company's decision problem regarding online sales campaigns, showing its usefulness in calculating optimal trade-offs for decision makers and its adaptability for different types of campaigns. The results obtained are considered satisfactory by the company, and a computational study demonstrates the tool's efficiency even for larger campaigns.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. Juanpera, P. Blechinger, L. Ferrer-Marti, M. M. Hoffmann, R. Pastor
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2020)
