Performance assessment often has to be conducted under uncertainty. This paper proposes a ‘‘fuzzy expected value approach’’ for data envelopment analysis (DEA) in which fuzzy inputs and fuzzy outputs are first weighted, respectively, and their expected values then used to measure the optimistic and pessimistic efficiencies of decision making units (DMUs) in fuzzy environments. The two efficienc...

We propose a hybrid method designed to solve a problem of dispatching and conflict free routing of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in a flexible manufacturing system (FMS). This problem consists in the simultaneous assignment, scheduling and conflict free routing of the vehicles. Our approach consists in a decomposition method where the master problem (scheduling) is modelled with constraint p...

In this paper, we establish that maintaining a balanced workload on each machine over time stochastically minimizes the work-in-process inventory in certain types of flexible manufacturing systems (FM%) with finite or infinite common input buffer storage and an ample buffer et each machine. The results obtained here complement those obtained by Stecke and Morin (1985), in which it is establishe...

In most cases in intelligent manufacturing applications the communication functions depend on the capabilities of the intelligent tool (e.g. expert system). Three different types of working mode and different logical levels of the communication of an intelligent cell-controller in a CIM environment is shown in the paper. These levels are implemented of course within the same protocol. After thi...

Technologies such as Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and the Internet of Things (IoT) increasingly disrupt traditional manufacturing production systems. However, there is a scarcity empirical studies synthesising evaluating impact disruptive technologies on existing This study examines AGVs applying IoT Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) through case demonstrating integration with in compan...

This paper describes the development of a mobile robot based on a fork lift truck. This system has been tested in a ham industry and permits to integrate the previous transport system of the factory. In this way, the transport and storage can be done using fork lift trucks, mobile robots or both, and all of them controlled by a planning program. The planner obtains information from an automaton...

| Rapid Prototyping of complex systems is an important approach in system modeling. Naturally, such systems can be seen as a network of concurrently running communicating objects. An example of such a system in computer integrated manufacturing are exible manufacturing systems (FMS). A FMS consists of concurrently working machines which are connected by a computerized material handling system. ...

As a consequence of increased rates of new product introduction, rapid technology changes and global competition, consumers around the world have a broader product menu from which to choose. To compete effectively, companies must continually work to improve quality, productivity and flexibility. Flexible manufacturing systems, FMS, are often cited as the means to achieve both flexibility and pr...

Automated Guided Vehicle System (AGVS) provides the flexibility and automation demanded by Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS). However, with the growing concern on responsible management of resource use, it is crucial to manage these vehicles in an efficient way in order reduces travel time and controls conflicts and congestions. This paper presents the development process of a new Memetic Alg...