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In this paper, we suggest a branch-and-bound procedure for designing flow paths of fixed-path material handling systems. The method may be applied to automated monorail systems (AMS), automated guided vehicle systems (AGVS), flexible conveyor systems and other fixed-path material handling systems. We formulate an economic model which considers the construction cost of each path segment as well as the travel cost. A procedure is developed to determine the configuration of flow path and the direction of each flow path segment. A tight lower bound for the optimal objective function and an efficient search strategy are suggested. Computational performance of this procedure is compared with a procedure previously developed by Kaspi and Tanchoco for the special case of AGV systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing trend in the use of automated guided vehicles systems (AGVS) in manufacturing, the need for design tools becomes greater. The problem is that optimized static design models do not ensure expected performance due to the difficulty in capturing the dynamic operational characteristics of the vehicle system. This study shows that by using the single-loop guide path configuration some of the dynamic features of the system, like the impact the empty vehicle flow has on the system's performance, is reduced. Thus, a more reliable prediction of system performance is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the problems associated with deadlocks in manufacturing systems with automated guided vehicle systems. Use and description of a banker's algorithm for the control of material flow in job shops; Solutions of deadlocks in manufacturing systems; Performance of several deadlock handling methods.