This paper investigates the performance of Differential Evolution (DE) in solving a Flexible Assembly Line (FAL) scheduling problem. Using a mathematical model developed in literature, the DE algorithm is implemented with the objectives of minimizing the sum of Earliness/Tardiness (E/T) penalties and maximizing the balance of the FAL. Experimental results have shown that DE is capable of solving the FAL scheduling problem effectively. Furthermore, a comparison with similar work in literature which employs Genetic Algorithm (GA) shows that DE produces a better solution. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.

Ponnambalam S G

Department of Manufacturing Engineering

School of Mechanical Engineering

Vellore Campus

L.W.H. Vincent

Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) is a private university located in&nbsp;Tamil Nadu, India. Founded in 1984, as Vellore Engineering College, the institution offers 20 undergraduate, 34 postgraduate, four integrated and four research programs. It has campuses in Vellore, Amravati, Bhopal and Chennai.

VIT is one of the top ranked private universities in India according to NIRF, THE and QS Rankings.&nbsp;Govt. of India has recognized&nbsp;VIT, Vellore as an&nbsp;Institution of Eminence. This has allowed VIT to take independent quality initiatives and move up in world ranking.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Journal	Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
ISSN	03029743