An optimal worker allocation problem for a U-shaped production line

In this paper, we deal with a U-shaped production line with multiple multi-function workers. We consider an optimization problem of finding an allocation of workers, to the line that minimizes the overall cycle time under the minimum number of workers which satisfies the demand. All processing, operation and walking times are deterministic. We discuss the similarity and difference between this optimal allocation problem and a well-known assembly line balancing problem, and propose an algorithm for computing an optimal allocation of workers to machines.