Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Paraskevi Th. Zacharia, Elias K. Xidias, Andreas C. Nearchou
Summary: This article discusses the assembly line balancing problem in production lines with collaborative robots. Collaborative robots have the potential to improve automation, productivity, accuracy, and flexibility in manufacturing. The article explores the use of a problem-specific metaheuristic to solve this complex problem under uncertainty.
COMPUTERS & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Michela Dalle Mura, Gino Dini
Summary: In the manufacturing industry, the design of workplaces must consider ergonomics to promote workers well-being and enhance productivity. This study proposes a software tool based on a genetic algorithm to solve the mixed-model assembly line balancing problem with job rotation and collaborative robots, aiming to improve workers' ergonomics and evaluate noise exposure. The objectives include optimizing the cost of the line and reducing workers' energy expenditure and noise exposure. An industrial case study is discussed to test the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
CIRP JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Mahboobe Kheirabadi, Samira Keivanpour, Yuvin Adnarain Chinniah, Jean-Marc Frayret
Summary: In this study, we examined the research on various challenges in assembly line optimization over the past decade through Web of Science and Engineering Village. We found that the collaboration of humans and robots in a fenceless environment requires a more comprehensive approach in balancing problems. Resource selection/allocation and scheduling are common decisions that researchers combine with balancing models.
COMPUTERS & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Mohammed-Amine Abdous, Xavier Delorme, Daria Battini, Fabio Sgarbossa, Sandrine Berger-Douce
Summary: This article introduces a method for considering ergonomics in the design phase of assembly lines. Currently, assembly line workers face challenges related to musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomics problems, which deteriorate the economic condition of production systems. The authors propose a method based on integer linear programming to address the assembly line balancing problem with the consideration of fatigue recovery criteria.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
J. B. H. C. Didden, E. Lefeber, I. J. B. F. Adan, I. W. F. Panhuijzen
Summary: This paper introduces a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to automate the process of line balancing in automotive assembly lines, aiming for the highest efficiency. The algorithm takes into account multiple factors and has been validated through a real-life case study.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Nessren Zamzam, Amin K. El-Kharbotly, Yomna Sadek
Summary: This study focuses on balancing the physical effort among workers in two-sided assembly lines commonly used for heavy industries. A genetic algorithm and a new decoding scheme are proposed, along with the introduction of an effort smoothness index (ESI). Results show that balancing physical effort is influential and achievable at no extra cost for most cases, but harder to achieve in difficult problems of high strength order.
AIN SHAMS ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mohsen Omidi, Greet van de Perre, Roshan Kumar Hota, Hoang-Long Cao, Jelle Saldien, Bram Vanderborght, Ilias El Makrini
Summary: In this work, a method using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed to optimize human posture during human-robot collaboration. The robot's end-effector is positioned to minimize the distance between the optimized human posture and their current posture. A user study in a virtual reality environment validates the effectiveness of the proposed method, showing a 66% improvement in ergonomics.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
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, Interdisciplinary Applications
Zhaofang Mao, Jiaxin Zhang, Kan Fang, Dian Huang, Yiting Sun
Summary: In this study, a U-type assembly line balancing problem with human-robot collaboration (UALBP-HRC) is considered, where a collaborative robot (cobot) can process different tasks in parallel or collaboratively process the same task with workers. A mixed-integer programming (MIP) model is formulated to minimize the cycle time, and an enhanced MIP (EMIP) model with enhancement strategies is proposed. Experimental results show that EMIP outperforms MIP, and a simulated annealing algorithm with enhanced search procedure (ESA) effectively solves the problem.
COMPUTERS & OPERATIONS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Niloofar Katiraee, Martina Calzavara, Serena Finco, Olga Battaia, Daria Battini
Summary: In manual assembly systems, the differences in workers' skills, expertise level, and physical effort perception greatly influence assembly line balancing and system performance. This study proposes a methodological framework and an easy-to-use Assembly Line Worker Assignment and Rebalancing Problem, which considers workers' performance variability, integration of worker-dependent physical exertion constraints, and the possibility of using trainers to assist inexperienced workers. A bi-objective linear programming model is introduced to minimize cycle time and the number of reassigned tasks while integrating new workers with different characteristics. The results obtained from three real cases demonstrate the successful application of the developed model in manufacturing companies to address workforce turnover and skills heterogeneity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Mathematics
Eduardo Alvarez-Miranda, Jordi Pereira, Harold Torrez-Meruvia, Mariona Vila
Summary: This study introduces a novel hybrid method to solve the simplified version of the assembly line balancing problem, SALBP-2, by reducing the state space of the problem effectively, and obtaining multiple new best-known solutions.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Junhao Chen, Xiaoliang Jia
Summary: This study investigates the energy-efficient integration of assembly line balancing and part feeding problems, and proposes a modified genetic algorithm to solve the problem. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm performs well in reducing energy consumption and computational efficiency compared to traditional methods and nested genetic algorithm.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nikos Dimitropoulos, Theodoros Togias, Natalia Zacharaki, George Michalos, Sotiris Makris
Summary: This paper proposes an AI-based system that can provide automated ergonomics support for robots, enhancing the efficiency and customization of human-robot collaboration. By using vision-based machine learning and heuristic search algorithms, the system can achieve task recognition and posture adjustment for the operator.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Kathryn E. Stecke, Mahdi Mokhtarzadeh
Summary: The study explores the advantages and scheduling constraints of human-robot collaboration in assembly lines, including optimal configurations and the impact of robot mobility on performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2022)
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
Automation & Control Systems
Francesco Pistolesi, Beatrice Lazzerini, Michela Dalle Mura, Gino Dini
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL INFORMATICS
(2018)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Michela Dalle Mura, Gino Dini
CIRP ANNALS-MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Michela Dalle Mura, Gino Dini
CIRP JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Michela Dalle Mura, Francesco Pistolesi, Gino Dini, Beatrice Lazzerini
Summary: The amount of electronic waste generated annually is substantial, with only a small percentage being recycled. Disassembling end-of-life products is crucial for reusing and recycling parts while ensuring worker safety. This paper introduces a multi-objective formulation for balancing efficiency and safety in disassembly lines, with a focus on maximizing profit, feasibility, and prioritizing extraction of dangerous parts.
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Michela Dalle Mura, Gino Dini
Summary: One major challenge in automotive assembly is aligning car panels within specified tolerances for the bodywork. Augmented Reality (AR) is identified as a promising tool to guide workers and reduce errors and time in assembly tasks. This study introduces an AR prototype system to assist operators in panel fitting operations and presents a real case study on aligning car body panels with the front light projector.
JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Michela Dalle Mura, Gino Dini
Summary: The high-tech properties of CFRPs have led to increasing industrial applications in aerospace and automotive sectors, where lightweight structures are needed. An experimental study on CFRP panels showed that pre-cooling the material before drilling process could improve hole quality by reducing delamination and improving surface roughness, with effects on thrust force, tool wear, and feed rate.
JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Antonio Maffei, Michela Dalle Mura, Fabio Marco Monetti, Eleonora Boffa
Summary: Augmented (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies are rapidly developing in the field of production, with main applications in design, training, and assembly guidance. This research presents a comprehensive MR application that guides novice operators in simple assembly tasks, utilizing innovative programming logic and component tracking. Testing and user feedback indicated that the MR application was effective in providing guidance and boosting confidence for inexperienced users. Further development is needed to create a complete and usable architecture, but this research lays the foundation for improved assembly guidance based on component tracking.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Michela Dalle Mura, Gino Dini
Summary: In the manufacturing industry, the design of workplaces must consider ergonomics to promote workers well-being and enhance productivity. This study proposes a software tool based on a genetic algorithm to solve the mixed-model assembly line balancing problem with job rotation and collaborative robots, aiming to improve workers' ergonomics and evaluate noise exposure. The objectives include optimizing the cost of the line and reducing workers' energy expenditure and noise exposure. An industrial case study is discussed to test the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
CIRP JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Ahmed Sayem, Pronob Kumar Biswas, Mohammad Muhshin Aziz Khan, Luca Romoli, Michela Dalle Mura
Summary: The fourth industrial revolution, driven by automation and digital technology, allows for effective management of manufacturing systems. Its deployment is becoming increasingly important in developed and emerging economies. This study identified and examined the major barriers to Industry 4.0 adoption, revealing their interrelationships.
JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING AND MATERIALS PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Michela Dalle Mura, Gino Dini
Summary: This study aims to design a software tool to solve the assembly line balancing problem. The software, based on a genetic algorithm, aims to distribute assembly tasks among workers considering their physical capabilities and limits, in order to optimize the efficiency of the process and ergonomics. Experimental results demonstrate that the developed tool can optimize the two objectives in different scenarios, showing its profitable use in planning manual assembly processes without overloading workers.
PRODUCTION ENGINEERING-RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
M. Dalle Mura, G. Dini
CIRP JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2017)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
John Ahmet Erkoyuncu, Inigo Fernandez del Amo, Michela Dalle Mura, Rajkumar Roy, Gino Dini
CIRP ANNALS-MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
(2017)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Industrial
Michela Dalle Mura, Gino Dini
6TH CIRP CONFERENCE ON ASSEMBLY TECHNOLOGIES AND SYSTEMS (CATS)
(2016)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Industrial
G. Dini, M. Dalle Mura
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 4TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THROUGH-LIFE ENGINEERING SERVICES
(2015)