A Multi-Objective Cuckoo Search Algorithm Based on the Record Matrix for a Mixed-Model Assembly Line Car-Sequencing Problem

Abstract

In the car-sequencing problem of mixed-model assembly lines, a series of cars with different model types will be put into the assembly line in a certain order considering a variety of goals and constraints. In this paper, a multi-objective cuckoo search algorithm based on the record matrix is proposed to solve this problem. In this algorithm, the factors, including the variation of parts usage rates, variation of workstation workload, idle time, overload time, and model switching cost are considered. The record matrix proposed in this paper is utilized to record the characteristic information of the optimal solutions and historical solutions. Meanwhile, two search strategies based on the record matrix are proposed to enhance the ability of local search and global search in the algorithm. The proposed algorithm is verified by a real case. The results show that the proposed model and algorithm have good results, and they have the potential to address other similar problems.

Keywords

• Car-sequencing problem
• mixed-model assembly line
• multi-objective cuckoo search algorithm
• record matrix