Smart shop floor scheduling using knowledge based simulation

In this paper, the need for knowledge-based simulation technique in shop floor scheduling are addressed. A prototype integrated system in Feed Mill manufacturing utilizing an integrated approach of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and simulation is discussed. The system is designed to support the production planner in scheduling and controlling the shop floor on real-time and on-line basis. System overview with the emphasis on knowledge-based simulation module is described.     

Genetic neuro-nester

In this paper, the integration of artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms is explored for solving uncured composite stock cutting problem, which is an NP-complete problem. The input patterns can be either rectangular or irregular, and the proposed approach can accommodate any orientation and size restrictions. A genetic algorithm is used to generate sequences of the input patterns to be allocated. The scrap percentage of each allocation is used as an evaluation criterion. The allocation algorithm uses the sliding method integrated with an artificial neural network, based on the adaptive resonance theory (ART1) paradigm, to allocate the patterns according to the sequence generated by the genetic algorithm. The results obtained by this approach give packing densities on the order of 80–95%.