Optimizing machine assignment and loop layout in tandem AGV workshop by co-evolutionary methodology

This paper proposed a co-evolutionary methodology to optimize the layout of a practical tandem automated guided vehicles (AGV) workshop aiming to reduce the costs for material transporting in manufacturing process. This methodology provided a fresh line to address the machine assignment, internal and external loop layout, as well as the loops arrangement on the floor synthetically, the transfer station setting was also considered. This methodology is not like the previous method that solved these contents in sequence. Genetic algorithm (GA) was herein applied for the iteration after these contents were ascertained. A mathematical model was also established for this methodology. The optimization result illustrated the efficiency of proposed co-evolutionary methodology in decreasing the material transporting costs comparing with the non co-evolutionary method. The workshop layout design can apply our methodology, which involved an overall consideration, as guidance.