Simulation Modeling in Factory Layout Optimization

Abstract This paper presents a new factory layout methodology and its integration in a simulation-based environment for FMS design. Once machines and material handling devices have been selected, a layoutsynthesis tool generates a workscene model used to plan robot trajectories and to investigate material handlingcontrol strategies by means of discrete event simulation. Layouts are represented as orthogonal strctures of loosely packed arrangements of rectangles. They must satisfy a set of qualitative constraints and minimize material handling costs-a function of distances among components. Simulation results are used to modify the input datato thelayout optimization tool, and the layout design process is iterated until a satisfactory solution is reached.