Application of Fuzzy Logic to Multi-Objective Scheduling Problems in Robotic Flexible Assembly Cells

Abstract

This paper is aimed at developing a methodology to solve a multi-objective problem in robotic flexible assembly cells. The proposed methodology is based on three main steps: (1) scheduling of the RFACs using different common rules, (2) normalisation of the scheduling outcomes, and (3) selection of the optimal scheduling rules, using a fuzzy inference system. In this paper, four rules, namely short processing time, long processing time, earlier due date and random, are examined. Four objectives are considered simultaneously: scheduling length, total transportation time, utilisation rate and workload rate. A realistic case study is provided for demonstrating applicability of the suggested methodology. The results show that the methodology is practical and works in RFACs settings.