A genetic algorithm approach to group machines into manufacturing cells

Grouping machines into manufacturing cells is now a commonly used technique for improving the flow of products in some manufacturing systems. The machines are grouped into cells to minimize the traffic of parts between the cells under certain constraints. This problem is addressed using a genetic algorithm, which is an optimization method inspired by biological evolution models. The genetic operators used are presented. Two concrete cases of manufacturing job shops, one under design and one in rearrangement illustrate the approach