A proposed approach for reconfiguration of flexible assembly line systems by motion genes

This paper applies motion genes to solve the problems of reconfiguring flexible assembly line systems to cope with ever changing production requirements. The main difficulties of reconfiguring such systems are described, and an approach of using motion genes to overcome them is proposed. It is demonstrated that conveyor components can be encoded and evolved by linear and angular conveying motions. Furthermore, genetic mating can be used to generate alternative conveyor system layouts that satisfy specific production requirements and the best can be selected, based on the concept of 'survival of the fittest'. The proposed approach is exemplified by a test case, and it is found that the reconfiguration of flexible assembly line systems by motion genes is much easier to implement than current rule based methods. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group Ltd.