The scope of genetic algorithms in dealing with facility layout problems

Abstract

The paper presents a state-of-the-art review of the application of the Genetic Algorithm (GA), an important methodology in facility layout problems that can be used to gauge current and emerging trends in new design objectives and methodologies that address combinatorial optimisation aspects. The new developments in layout research analysed in this study provide a perspective on what the future of the field of study will be like. A tendency to use meta-heuristics like GA, which lean toward multi-objective approaches to layout and material handling system design, is observed.