Planning of three-dimensional layouts using numerical optimization methods

The concept and realization of a system for automatic arrangement optimization of components within an assembly cell are presented. For this purpose, numerical parameter optimization methods are linked to a 3-D simulation system. The proposal of new component locations is performed by a numerical optimization algorithm. The adaptation of robot programs to the new component locations, and the evaluation of different target criteria are performed within the 3-D simulation. Intermediate solutions thus generated are automatically assessed by a flexible assessment module. A simple menu structure and the direct access to the actual layout and robot program data enable the assembly planner to define an optimization task and to run the optimization calculation automatically without special mathematical knowledge