Special issue on intelligent techniques in flexible manufacturing systems : A fuzzy genetic multiobjective optimization algorithm for a multilevel generalized assignment problem

We consider a task-operator-machine assignment problem where we seek to minimize the total execution time, to come as close as possible to a perfect load balance among the operators and not to exceed neither predefined inter-operator communication costs nor a prefixed number of resources. Besides, in an industrial environment where work force frequently changes, manufacturing systems need to be flexible and critical decisions have to be quickly taken. In this context, a fuzzy genetic multiobjective optimization algorithm is developed to solve a multilevel generalized assignment problem usually encountered in the clothing industry.