AGV-served assembly lines: Influence of sequencing and launch policies on system performances

The planning of an AGV-based flexible assembly line is studied. The conflicting objectives of the minimization of the AGVs wait along the line and of the maximization of the system productivity are investigated. To improve the system performances the late start policy to launch and transfer the AGVs is introduced and a heuristic sequencing algorithm is proposed. The developed computer-aided planning procedures make it possible to consider different AGV launch policies, buffer capacities and management goals; moreover, with the combined use of effective sequences a better utilization of the different resources is reached.