A method for assembly line balancing using genetic algorithms

A method for Assembly Line Balancing (ALB) problem using Genetic Algorithms (GAs) is proposed. The sequence restriction of the ALB problem is described using a directed graph and a simple 0-∼1 adjacency matrix. The solutions are in the form of the permutation matrix. In order to reduce the search space, a feasible solution discernment theorem is put forward. It is easy to modify the algorithm to suit other forms of the ALB problem, such as flexible task-time. Finally, a computational energy function, which offers the possibility of using a Hopfield Neural Network to solve the ALB problems, is given.