Monte Carlo Simulation to Compare Markovian and Neural Network Models for Reliability Assessment in Multiple AGV Manufacturing System

We compare two approaches for a Markovian model in flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) using Monte Carlo simulation. The model, which is a development of Fazlollahtabar and Saidi-Mehrabad (2013), considers two features of automated flexible manufacturing systems equipped with automated guided vehicle (AGV), namely, the reliability of machines and the reliability of AGVs in a multiple AGV jobshop manufacturing system. The current methods for modeling reliability of a system involve determination of system state probabilities and transition states. Since the failure of the machines and AGVs could be considered in different states, a Markovian model is proposed for reliability assessment. The traditional Markovian computation is compared with a neural network methodology. Monte Carlo simulation has verified the neural network method having better performance for Markovian computations.