Application of Fuzzy Mathematical Approach for Cell Formation and Layout Design with Uncertain Condition

A fuzzy linear programming approach is taken to solve an extended mathematical linear programming model to handle two important problems in cellular manufacturing systems simultaneously: Cell formation and layout design. We seek to minimize the total cost of inter-cell and intra-cell (forward and backward) movements and the cost of machines. The fuzzy demand and fuzzy machine capacity are also considered in the proposed model. The main advantage of the proposed model is in its consideration of uncertain conditions, batch material handling movements, and sequence operation. To illustrate the applicability of the proposed model, an example with fuzzy extension in data set is selected and computational results are presented.