A mathematical model and hyperheuristic algorithm for integrated cell formation, cell layout and scheduling problems with a material-handling robot constraints

To increase the efficiency of cellular manufacturing systems (CMSs), decision problems that affect each other should be addressed in an integrated manner. In this study, integrated cell formation (CF), cell layout (CL), and part scheduling problems are addressed by considering the material handling system and alternative routes. The job shop production environment is considered, and material-handling robots are used for intercell and intracell part transportation between machines. It is assumed that the machines are of different sizes. Additionally, a mathematical model is proposed. By solving the proposed mathematical model, decisions are made to assign parts to cells, to determine the appropriate route for each part, the layout of cells and machines, and the transportation order of the parts on the material-handling robots, and to schedule the parts on the machines in accordance with their routes. A hyperheuristic (HH) algorithm is also proposed, and the success of this algorithm is demonstrated on test problems.