T. Tochigi et al., Improving production systems of timber-processing plants - IV: Applicationof genetic algorithms for appropriate positioning of processing machines, J WOOD SCI, 44(5), 1998, pp. 337-342
The development of a layout plan for a new giant with the aid of genetic al
gorithms was studied to place the machines so that the plant floor was effe
ctively utilized and the operation would not be impeded. Genetic algorithms
are search algorithms based on the mechanics of natural evolution and natu
ral genetics to solve problems in engineering fields. Simulation with the a
id of genetic algorithms was undertaken step by step. The first seven hundr
ed strings (chromosomes) were generated at random to organize an initial po
pulation. Each string consisted of 40 bits (genes). which represented chara
cteristics of machines (x- and p-coordinates and inlet and outlet formation
s of materials on machines) in the binary coding. Then the simulation was u
ndertaken by repeating selection, crossover, reproduction, and mutation of
strings until all strings were saturated with the highest evaluation (fitne
ss of chromosomes to environments in the case of creatures). Under some lim
itations, an acceptable layout plan of the modeled plant involving four woo
d-processing machines was obtained according to evaluation indices.