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An analysis of task assignment and cycle times when robots are added to human-operated assembly lines, using mathematical programming models

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  • Koltai, Tamás
  • Dimény, Imre
  • Gallina, Viola
  • Gaal, Alexander
  • Sepe, Chiara

Abstract

Adding robots to a human-operated assembly line influences both the short- and long-term operation of the line. However, the effects of robots on assembly line capacity and on cycle time can only be studied if appropriate task assignment models are available. This paper shows how traditional assembly line balancing models can be changed in order to determine the optimal number of workstations and cycle time when robots with different technological capabilities are able to perform a predetermined set of tasks. The mathematical programming models for the following three cases are presented and analysed: i) only workers are assigned to the workstations; ii) either a worker or a robot is assigned to a workstation; iii) a robot and a worker are also assigned to specific workstations. The data of an assembly line producing power inverters is used to illustrate the proposed calculations. Both the assignment of tasks and the changes of cycle time are analysed within the AIMMS modelling environment. The computational characteristics of the proposed mathematical programming models are also examined and tested using benchmark problems. The models presented in this paper can assist operations management in making decisions relating to assembly line configuration.

Suggested Citation

  • Koltai, Tamás & Dimény, Imre & Gallina, Viola & Gaal, Alexander & Sepe, Chiara, 2021. "An analysis of task assignment and cycle times when robots are added to human-operated assembly lines, using mathematical programming models," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 242(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:proeco:v:242:y:2021:i:c:s0925527321002681
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2021.108292
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    1. Battaïa, Olga & Dolgui, Alexandre, 2022. "Hybridizations in line balancing problems: A comprehensive review on new trends and formulations," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 250(C).
    2. Mao, Zhaofang & Sun, Yiting & Fang, Kan & Huang, Dian & Zhang, Jiaxin, 2024. "Balancing and scheduling of assembly line with multi-type collaborative robots," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 271(C).
    3. Imre Dimény & Tamás Koltai, 2024. "Comparison of MILP and CP models for balancing partially automated assembly lines," Central European Journal of Operations Research, Springer;Slovak Society for Operations Research;Hungarian Operational Research Society;Czech Society for Operations Research;Österr. Gesellschaft für Operations Research (ÖGOR);Slovenian Society Informatika - Section for Operational Research;Croatian Operational Research Society, vol. 32(4), pages 945-959, December.

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