2416 A Two Step Layout Design Optimization Method for Robotic Cellular Manufacturing Systems

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a conceptual layout design technique for robotic assembly systems using a multi-phase optimization method. The paper is composed as below. First, the design criteria for robotic assembly systems are clarified, and evaluation functions are formulated. Next, layout design candidates are represented using a sequence-pair scheme to prevent interferences between assembly system components. A multi-objective genetic algorithm is then used to obtain non-dominated solutions for the multi-objective optimization problem. To enhance the accuracy of the solutions and also to provide more pareto solutions, a second-phase optimization is conducted, which containing several optimization methods including the method of multi-objective SLP and the method using parts of objective functions as constrained condition. Finally, the proposed method is applied to an example design problem of robotic assembly system, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated.