Multi-Objective optimization of the Facility Layout Problem in FMSs using a Multi-objective Genetic Algorithms

The primary problem in layout design of the flexible manufacturing systems has been determining the optimum location for the workstations in an effective and efficient way. In the present article, taking the machine type and the capacity of the warehouses into account, we propose a multi-objective model for simultaneous optimization of the problem under investigation. The most noteworthy of these objectives consist of minimizing the possible material handling during the manufacturing process, minimizing the handling of manufacturing facilities for the MFMs, and maximizing the profitability margin resulting from the growing demand for such machines allocated to any half-constructed warehouse. Due to the nonlinear integer nature of the current problem, a Pareto based genetic algorithm called the genetic non-dominated elite-oriented ranking algorithm was used to solve the proposed model. To evaluate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, some comparisons were made with the most powerful algorithms in the related literature. All in all, the results indicate that the proposed algorithm provides the Parto-based solutions at a higher rate and a larger variety.