Optimization of a multi-constraint two-sided assembly line balancing problem using an improved imperialist competitive algorithm
ISSN: 0144-5154
Article publication date: 7 February 2020
Issue publication date: 30 March 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Assembly is the last step in manufacturing processes. The two-sided assembly line balancing problem (TALBP) is a typical research focus in the field of combinatorial optimization. This paper aims to study a multi-constraint TALBP-I (MC-TALBP-I) that involves positional constraints, zoning constraints and synchronism constraints to make TALBP more in line with real production. For enhancing quality of assembly solution, an improved imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) is designed for solving the problem.
Design/methodology/approach
A mathematical model for minimizing the weighted sum of the number of mated-stations and stations is established. An improved ICA is designed based on a priority value encoding structure for solving MC-TALBP-I.
Findings
The proposed ICA was tested by several benchmarks involving positional constraints, zoning constraints and synchronism constraints. This algorithm was compared with the late acceptance hill-climbing (LAHC) algorithm in several instances. The results demonstrated that the ICA provides much better performance than the LAHC algorithm.
Practical implications
The best solution obtained by solving MC-TALBP-I is more feasible for determining the real assembly solution than the best solution obtained by solving based TALBP-I only.
Originality/value
A novel ICA based on priority value encoding is proposed in this paper. Initial countries are generated by a heuristic method. An imperialist development strategy is designed to improve the qualities of countries. The effectiveness of the ICA is indicated through a set of benchmarks.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No: 51575443, 61402361, and 60903124). The project supported by the Scientific Research Project of Shaanxi Provincial Department of Education (Grant No: 14JK1521); Shaanxi Province Science and Technology Research and Development Project (Grant No: 2012KJXX-34); and Xi'an University of Technology Initial Foundation for the PhDs (Grant No: 102-451117013).
Citation
Yang, M., Ba, L., Xu, E., Li, Y., Liu, Y. and Gao, X. (2020), "Optimization of a multi-constraint two-sided assembly line balancing problem using an improved imperialist competitive algorithm", Assembly Automation, Vol. 40 No. 2, pp. 273-282. https://doi.org/10.1108/AA-04-2019-0064
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited