O objetivo desta tese foi desenvolver um procedimento para projeto de arranjo físico modular. O procedimento usa um algoritmo genético de agrupamento para gerar módulos de arranjo físico em manufatura. Um módulo é um grupo de máquinas com um fluxo característico. O algoritmo genético de agrupamento (AGA) permite ao usuário especificar a priori o número desejado de módulos (problema de K-agrupamentos), e também trabalhar de forma que o número e formação dos módulos seja uma otimização do problema (problema de agrupamento automático). Uma característica importante do AGA é sua flexibilidade, pois fornece possibilidade ao usuário de dirigir seu raciocínio através da escolha de diferentes codificações do cromossomo, de funções de aptidão para avaliar a qualidade da solução, de medidas de similaridade para comparação de seqüências de operações e de métodos de geração da nova população. Para tal foram desenvolvidos três operadores de cruzamento e quatro operadores de mutação. Os experimentos permitiram avaliar o comportamento do AGA com diferentes operadores e configurações de parâmetros, através do número de vezes em que a melhor solução foi encontrada. Os módulos de arranjo físico gerados pelo AGA e o arranjo físico final da fábrica foram comparados aqueles da principal referência encontrada na bibliografia em projeto de arranjo físico modular. No arranjo físico final da fábrica, elaborado a partir das soluções do AGA, houve importante redução da distância total percorrida pelo conjunto de peças, demonstrando a eficácia do algoritmo genético de agrupamento. Dessa forma, os resultados apontaram o algoritmo genético de agrupamento como uma alternativa à geração de módulos de arranjo físico em projeto de arranjo físico modular. / The objective of this thesis was the development of a procedure to the design of modular facility layouts. The procedure uses a clustering genetic algorithm to generate layout modules. A module is a group of machines with a specific patterned flow. The clustering genetic algorithm (CGA) allows the specification of the desired number of modules (K-grouping problem) and also the optimization of the number of modules (automatic clustering problem). The genetic algorithm is very flexible and the user can guide his reasoning. It supplies different options of chromosome encoding, generation of the initial population, fitness function to evaluate the solution quality, different similarity measures for comparison of operation sequences and methods for generation of the new population. Three crossover operators and four mutation operators have been developed. The experiments have allowed evaluating the behavior of the CGA with different operators and parameters configurations, through the number of times in which the best solution was found. The layout modules generated by the CGA and the block layout were compared with the main reference which was found in literature in the design of modular facility layouts. In the block layout elaborated from the solutions of the CGA there was an important reduction of the total distance traveled by the set of parts, demonstrating the effectiveness of the clustering genetic algorithm. The results indicated that the clustering genetic algorithm is an alternative for generation of layout modules in the design of modular facility layouts.

O objetivo desta tese foi desenvolver um procedimento para projeto de arranjo físico modular. O procedimento usa um algoritmo genético de agrupamento para gerar módulos de arranjo físico em manufatura. Um módulo é um grupo de máquinas com um fluxo característico. O algoritmo genético de agrupamento (AGA) permite ao usuário especificar a priori o número desejado de módulos (problema de K-agrupamentos), e também trabalhar de forma que o número e formação dos módulos seja uma otimização do problema (problema de agrupamento automático). Uma característica importante do AGA é sua flexibilidade, pois fornece possibilidade ao usuário de dirigir seu raciocínio através da escolha de diferentes codificações do cromossomo, de funções de aptidão para avaliar a qualidade da solução, de medidas de similaridade para comparação de seqüências de operações e de métodos de geração da nova população. Para tal foram desenvolvidos três operadores de cruzamento e quatro operadores de mutação. Os experimentos permitiram avaliar o comportamento do AGA com diferentes operadores e configurações de parâmetros, através do número de vezes em que a melhor solução foi encontrada. Os módulos de arranjo físico gerados pelo AGA e o arranjo físico final da fábrica foram comparados aqueles da principal referência encontrada na bibliografia em projeto de arranjo físico modular. No arranjo físico final da fábrica, elaborado a partir das soluções do AGA, houve importante redução da distância total percorrida pelo conjunto de peças, demonstrando a eficácia do algoritmo genético de agrupamento. Dessa forma, os resultados apontaram o algoritmo genético de agrupamento como uma alternativa à geração de módulos de arranjo físico em projeto de arranjo físico modular. / The objective of this thesis was the development of a procedure to the design of modular facility layouts. The procedure uses a clustering genetic algorithm to generate layout modules. A module is a group of machines with a specific patterned flow. The clustering genetic algorithm (CGA) allows the specification of the desired number of modules (K-grouping problem) and also the optimization of the number of modules (automatic clustering problem). The genetic algorithm is very flexible and the user can guide his reasoning. It supplies different options of chromosome encoding, generation of the initial population, fitness function to evaluate the solution quality, different similarity measures for comparison of operation sequences and methods for generation of the new population. Three crossover operators and four mutation operators have been developed. The experiments have allowed evaluating the behavior of the CGA with different operators and parameters configurations, through the number of times in which the best solution was found. The layout modules generated by the CGA and the block layout were compared with the main reference which was found in literature in the design of modular facility layouts. In the block layout elaborated from the solutions of the CGA there was an important reduction of the total distance traveled by the set of parts, demonstrating the effectiveness of the clustering genetic algorithm. The results indicated that the clustering genetic algorithm is an alternative for generation of layout modules in the design of modular facility layouts.

Nas últimas quatro décadas, métodos e algoritmos para análise e formação de arranjos físicos de máquinas, equipamentos, departamentos e serviços auxiliares vêm sendo desenvolvidos para reduzir o fluxo de materiais e o deslocamento de pessoal entre eles, objetivando diminuir custos e aumentar a eficiência do sistema produtivo. Diversos autores têm proposto algoritmos e ferramentas computacionais para aumentar a produtividade do projetista de arranjo físico, mas todos focam em um determinado conjunto de algoritmos, método, ou tipo de arranjo físico. Neste contexto, este trabalho de pesquisa buscou desenvolver um software que atue em um escopo mais amplo que o dessas ferramentas computacionais. A partir de uma estrutura baseada em um framework de aplicação orientado a objeto, o software proposto é capaz de suportar a introdução de novos métodos, algoritmos e ferramentas gráficas para análise e formação dos diversos tipos de arranjos físicos existentes, à medida que estes forem necessários, sem sofrer modificações ou gerar alterações significativas em seu código fonte. Isso permite ao desenvolvedor adaptar facilmente o software proposto às necessidades de um projeto de arranjo físico / In the last four decades, methods and algorithms have been developed to analyse and arrange the layout of machines, equipments, departments, and auxiliary services in order to minimize the movement of people and material flow. It is normally made to reduce costs and improve the production system efficiency. Several authors have proposed computational algorithms and tools to increase productivity of the layout designer, but all of them focus on a limited set of algorithms or methods, or on a particular layout type. In this research work, a computer program with a broader scope than current computational tools has been developed. By adopting a structure based on an object-oriented application framework, the proposed software supports the addition of new methods, algorithms, and graphical tools, which can be applied, as required, on several different layout design types without significant structural or source code changes. It enables the developer to adapt the proposed software for new layout design requirements easily

The diploma thesis deals with the design of a robotic workplace layout for finishing operations on the stator of an electric motor. Three variants of the workplace layout were created, these variants were evaluated, and then the most suitable variant was selected. Suitable subcomponents have been created for this variant, such as the end effector, deburring spindles, rotary stand and milling table. A risk analysis was also created for her to ensure the safety and protection of the operator. The most suitable variant was transferred to the Process Simulate software, where its functionality was verified and the real cell cycle was determined.

This thesis is based on the present needs for the factory planning support, of which the most important ones are: • A structured reuse of knowledge and support for industries. Because today the industry handbook in factory planning is not satisfying enough to support this complex process. • Better methods to represent and communicate data between software within the factory layout area for easier data communication and thereby information access, exchange and reuse. To support the factory planning, based on the mentioned needs, a mapping of the present factory planning process is made based on knowledge from industry and academy. Since the factory planning process is a huge and complex process that no one can handle by themself, a puzzle work is performed. Based on gathered information and knowledge an activity model is developed, to structure the data and information. The model gives a better overview on the actual course of events and in this way also “captures” the most important information to be represented for data exchange among different software applications and different people. In this thesis the most important information in factory layout is gathered and structured in a concept model for factory layout. Since the concepts depend on the context in which they are used, it is extremely important to present every concept in its relationship with other related concepts within the area.  A general theory and state-of-the-art definitions in the area is presented and discussed for a factory planning information management system. An evaluation and discussion is made for the state-of-the-art software in the area of concern.

The subject of this diploma thesis is structural and constructional design of a new multifunctional building in Spišská Belá. It is a new detached building structure with one basement floor and three above-ground floors, designed on a plot number 1859 in cadastre unit Spišská Belá. The designed building is constructed of clay masonry system with contact thermal insulation and supported by strip foundations. Ceiling constructions of above-ground floors are made of prefabricated components. The basement ceiling is made of reinforced concrete. Object is roofed by saddle roof set on wooden roof truss. There are four three room flats, one accessible flat, bicycle shop and flats facilities, situated in the building. The focus during development was on wheelchair access.

As many tasks considering structural design in civil engineering become digitalised, the possibility of creating a more effective workflow increases. The development of computer programs that can handle large amounts of data and assist the decision making during design process increases the requirement of the data management to fully utilize the potential of a digital workflow. The design of reinforcement layout of concrete structures is time demanding and often performed manually. These characteristics of a workflow indicates that it may be suitable to be subject to automation. The aim of this thesis is to highlight the potential and the difficulties of using automated design procedures in civil engineering with focus on reinforcement layout design. Specifically, the selection of straight rebars and their placement within concrete structures has been studied with respect to buildability and the amount of reinforcement used. A computer program has been developed to select rebar diameters and arrangement, satisfying the required amount of reinforcement as well as some of the rules according to the Eurocode standard. In order to find feasible solutions, an optimization of the amount of reinforcement as well as different measures of buildability is performed, using a genetic algorithm. The result from two case studies showed that the program managed to perform tasks similar to an engineer and create design solutions which reduced the amount of reinforcement and the number of rebar types. Furthermore, it was shown that consideration to the identified buildability parameters played an important role in finding an optimal solution. The findings indicate that the design of reinforcement layout may be automated and that a more effective workflow can be achieved. / I takt med att fler delar av projekteringen av anläggningskonstruktioner blir digitaliserade ökar möjligheterna för att effektivisera arbetet. Utvecklandet av datorprogram som kan hantera mycket information och ge stöd till beslutsfattande ställer också krav på hanterandet av denna data för att utnyttja den fulla potentialen av ett digitaliserat arbetsflöde. Arbetsprocessen vid armering av betongkonstruktioner är tidskrävande och utförs idag ofta helt eller delvis för hand. Sådana processer bär karaktärsdrag som tyder på att de är lämpade för automatisering. Målet med studien är att undersöka problematiken kring att automatisera arbetsprocesser vid projektering av anläggningskonstruktioner med inriktning på armering av betongkonstruktioner. Specifikt, så har valet av raka armeringsjärn och dess placering i betongkonstruktioner studerats med avseende på byggbarhet och armeringsmängder. Ett datorprogram har utvecklats för att välja armeringsjärn och dess placering för ett givet behov och ett antal krav som ställs enligt Eurokod. För att hitta en möjlig lösning är problemet formulerat som en optimering av armeringsmängd och olika mått på byggbarhet. Optimeringen genomfördes med en genetisk algoritm. Resultatet från två fallstudier visar att programmet lyckades genomföra konstruktörens arbetsuppgifter och skapa lösningar som minskade mängden använd armering och antalet olika typer av armeringsjärn samtidigt som de identifierade måtten på byggbarhet främjades. Vidare visade resultatet att de identifierade byggbarhetsparametrarna spelade en viktig roll för att finna en optimal lösning. Detta indikerar att det är möjligt att automatisera denna process och att ett effektivare arbetsflöde kan erhållas.

This master thesis was performed in collaboration with Scania Ferruform in Luleå, with the purpose to create an efficient, rational and safe workplace at the unloading station of the crossmember painting line. The mission from Ferruform was to investigate and analyse flaws, risk, and bottlenecks with regards to flows, ergonomics and material handling. The project aimed to create a vision that could guide present and future development, followed by an implementation strategy consisting of concrete measures of both layout and organisational character. The vision is: “Create a work situation that is rooted in Scania's production system and characterized by efficiency, rationality and safe working conditions, where committed individuals can be challenged and developed”   The research questions that has guided the project are: What problem is the basis for the ergonomic situation at the crossmember painting? How can an efficient and rational workplace be created at crossmember painting? What does Ferruform need to do to create a safe and sustainable work environment at the crossmember painting?   The first step was to map the current state and identify problems with regards to process and organisation. This was done by using participative observation, interviews, user participation, overview analysis and Scania’s intranet. Apart from previous studies, the main problems that the mapping identified was consequences of frequent downtimes, shifts being isolated and having unique work methods, unsafe work environment, and finally that tools and aids for reducing harmful lifts are not used.  These problems and their consequences were analysed with regards to the current research in work science, behavioural science, and by using methods such as Fault tree analysis and proximity chart. One of the most important conclusions was that downtime, apart from compromised production volumes, affected the work situation negatively. Operators compensate for downtime by working faster and unsafe to reach the weekly production goals. Additionally, a middle manager role has disappeared in favour of meeting the production goals. This has severe consequences on the organisation of work and among others, ergonomics. The proximity chart showed that placement of functions in the production system is not based on logic, resulting in safety issues, intersecting flows and inefficient handling of materials. To counter the identified problems, three different layouts were developed and evaluated using the specification of requirements. The concept with highest score was further developed and detail designed. It is called “Wing” and separates humans and forklifts, has a centralized material buffer and redundancy for downtime. The concept allows for safer work environment, and efficient flows. The required changes are arranged in three steps, each with increasing capacity. The final concept together with the implementation plan, which present recommendations on how the final concept could gradually be implemented and what organisational changes that are needed, shows that productivity and rationality can coexist with a good work environment, where both humans and the production system can flourish.

This master’s thesis deals with the design of a robotic cell for the automation of woodworking machine tending. The task of the robot is to manipulate with the specified laminated chipboards of various sizes, before and after machining. The boards are brought to the cell on pallets in three possible placement variants. After a brief research part, conceptual designs of cell layout were created. The optimal and further elaborated design came as a result of selected evaluation criteria. The next part of the thesis consists of designs and selection processes of individual components. These were later used to create a simulation model in Tecnomatix Process Simulate software (Siemens), that helped to verify the functionality of the cell layout, design the control logic and acquire the time of the manipulation cycle used for informative calculation of annual production. In the end, the final design was evaluated from an economic point of view with an emphasis on the return of the initial investment.

The use of no-code editors makes developing web applications more accessible since they are based on Graphical User Interface elements instead of conventional programming languages. This allows users without previous programming experience to design web-application interfaces. However, designing web applications with no-code editors can be a daunting process for beginners without design experience. This study therefore investigates which aspects of no-code editors can support novice designers when designing aesthetically pleasing web-application layouts. A usability analysis of three state-of-the-art no-code editors was conducted using the Cognitive Dimensions of Notations framework. The main aspect that impacted usability in the no-code editors was a difficulty aligning and positioning elements due to hidden dependencies and unforeseen actions. Based on this finding, a prototype was developed to address these issues. The prototype introduced the concept of a "Golden Ratio Guide", a visual guide intended to support the alignment and positioning of elements. A user study was conducted with inexperienced designers (n=5) to test if the Golden Ratio Guide helps with designing aesthetic web-application layouts. Contrary to expectations, a survey with users of such web-applications (n=36) showed that the web-layouts designed without the Golden Ratio Guide were preferred. / Att använda sig av programmeringsfria redigeringsprogram för att utveckla webbapplikationer bidrar till en större tillgänglighet då de är baserade på grafiska användargränssnittselement istället för konventionella programmeringsspråk. Detta tillåter användare utan tidigare programmeringserfarenhet att designa webbapplikationsgränssnitt. Men att designa webbapplikationer i ett programmeringsfritt redigeringsprogram kan vara en skrämmande process för nybörjare utan designerfarenhet. Denna studie undersöker därför vilka aspekter av programmeringsfria redigeringsprogram som stödjer nybörjare med att designa estetiskt tilltalande layouter för webbapplikationer. En användbarhetsanalys av tre programmeringsfria redigeringsprogram relevanta inom fältet genomfördes med hjälp av ramverket Cognitive Dimensions of Notations. Den huvudsakliga aspekten som påverkade användbarheten i programmeringsfria redigeringsprogram var svårigheten att anpassa och placera element på grund av dolda beroenden och oförutsedda händelser. Baserat på denna upptäckt utvecklades en prototyp för att lösa dessa problem. Prototypen introducerade konceptet med en "Gyllene Snittet Guide", en visuell guide avsedd att stödja anpassning och positionering. En användarstudie genomfördes med oerfarna designers (n=5) för att testa om guiden baserad på det Gyllene Snittet hjälper med att designa estetiska layouter för webbapplikationer. Tvärtemot förväntningarna visade en undersökning med användare av dessa webbapplikationer (n=36) att webblayouterna som designats utan guiden baserad på det Gyllene Snittet föredrogs.