Accepted Manuscript

Task Allocation in Manufacturing: A Review

Ying Cheng , Fengyi Sun , Yongping Zhang , Fei Tao

PII: S2452-414X(18)30080-3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jii.2018.08.001
Reference: JII 74

To appear in: Journal of Industrial Information Integration

Received date: 15 June 2018

Revised date: 8 August 2018
Accepted date: 8 August 2018

Please cite this article as: Ying Cheng , Fengyi Sun , Yongping Zhang , Fei Tao , Task Al-
location in Manufacturing: A Review, Journal of Industrial Information Integration (2018), doi:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jii.2018.08.001

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 ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Task Allocation in Manufacturing: A Review
Ying Cheng, Fengyi Sun, Yongping Zhang, Fei Tao*
School of Automation Science and Electrical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
(Corresponding Author: Fei Tao, E-Mail: ftao@buaa.edu.cn)
Abstract: Task allocation (TA) problem is of critical
importance in manufacturing industry, and determines the
effectiveness and efficiency of advanced manufacturing
systems. A proper TA approach can give an optimized
arrangement of existing resources, enable manufacturing
system‘s flexibility, thus improve both economic
performance and social benefits. However, there is still no
uniform analysis on TA to date, while it has been paid more
attention from the view of manufacturing resource
allocation. With the application of advanced information
and manufacturing technologies, the TA process improved
with intelligence or even smartness could respond to
demand changes rapidly and maintain a good balance for
supply-demand matching issues. In this paper, TA and its
intelligent improvements are picked and investigated. The
general workflow of TA is divided into six stages: task
description and modelling, analysis and modelling of TA
process, algorithm selection for TA, decision-making of TA,
simulation, and task execution. Each stage is separately
analyzed at first. In particular, the decision-making process
US
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of TA consists of two approaches: the traditional way of
system-oriented process (SoP), and the task-oriented
process (ToP). Researches show that the latter one can
better suit current systems and their manufacturing
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environment. At last, future directions of TA are pointed out
to make systems achieve much more intelligence.
Key Words: Manufacturing task, task allocation (TA),
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intelligent manufacturing, task-oriented process (ToP) of
decision-making, advanced manufacturing systems.
1 Introduction
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Advanced manufacturing systems gradually occupy the
dominant position due to the socialization tendency of
manufacturing industry. The customized requirements of
single and small-batch products have brought great
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challenges to the productive and operational activities of
enterprises. At the same time, such trend puts forward new
demands on the application of traditional manufacturing
systems and the development of advanced manufacturing
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systems. Those demands are, (a) effectively decomposing
certain task, (b) making full use of distributed
manufacturing agents and resources, (c) adopting a more
flexible way to respond to dynamic, uncertain, multiple
customized manufacturing task requirements. Most
researches involved in this paper are conducted to realize
the allocation of both socialized manufacturing tasks and
socialized manufacturing resources on the basis of those
requirements. As most of the traditional manufacturing
factories are designed for mass production, with little
flexibility to adjust to requirement changes, they need to
abandon the relatively mature allocating patterns and seek
for development.
To date, a series of developmental manufacturing modes
have been proposed to realize above-mentioned
development tendency and requirements. Especially in
recent years, many national strategic plans are put forward,
e.g., Industry 4.0 (Lu 2017), Industrial Internet (Li et al.
2018), Made in China 2025 (Li 2018), etc. From the
development process of those intelligent manufacturing
modes and the strategies proposed by different countries, we
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can see that, customer-focused manufacturing system has
become the main trend for the realization of intelligent
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manufacturing. It is effective to solve the socialized,
customized demand problems by corresponding task
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distribution and supply-demand matching (Cheng Y et al.
2016).
To realize the customer-focused manufacturing, tasks
should be effectively decomposed and distributed.
Intelligent task allocation (TA), together with
manufacturing resource allocation, is the key consideration
for manufacturing service supply and demand matching. As
a result, it is necessary to focus on the practice of intelligent
TA process. TA should rapidly respond to market changes,
and balance the relationship of supply and demand in order
to optimize the manufacturing process.
In order to have a thorough understanding of the existing
works, 91 articles, which have strong representation in the
domain of manufacturing TA, are carefully examined. In the
decision-making stage of TA, which is special discussed in
this paper, references are divided into system-oriented
process (SoP) and task-oriented process (ToP). SoP of
decision-making is a traditional approach. It means using
one specific manufacturing system to produce large volume
of products. ToP of decision-making means making use of
different machines in separate systems to meet the
inconstant requirements of customized products. By making
use of the cooperative work of distributed agents, the
manufacturing system can become more flexible and cost-
effective when facing customized productive tasks. Till
now, due to the rapid development of information
technologies, there are more and more researches or
improvements on ToP than before. The contributions of this
paper are combing through TA process and providing
another thinking mode of SoP and ToP for TA decision-
making, thus to provide references for more solid
consideration of task decomposition, resource sharing and
the corresponding supply and demand matching issues.
This paper is organized as follows. Section 2 introduces
the research methodology of this paper and classifies six
stages of TA workflow based on the selected papers.
Section 3 gives the literature review of each stage of TA
according the classified workflow. Section 4 discusses the
directions on how to make TA achieve more intelligence in
manufacturing systems, and Section 5 concludes the entire
paper.
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2 Research Methodology
The aim of this study is to extensively review
manufacturing TA to help other practitioners handle
problems in this field and optimize their industrial
structures, as well as to provide an overall instruction on
research methods and directions for future work.
According to the four steps for a literature review
mentioned by Mehrbod et al. (2011): material collection,
descriptive analysis, category selection and material
evolution, we involve 91 papers concerning the topic of
manufacturing TA and its improvements. Papers considered
in this study are mostly published between the year 2000
and 2018, which have a strong representative of nowadays
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background, future directions or research methodology.
As we can see in Fig. 2(a), 8 papers are in stage (1), 4
papers are examined in stage (5) and 8 papers concern stage
(6). In addition, as the main processing phases of TA, stage
(2) contains 19 papers, stage (3) contains 18 papers, and
stage (4) contains 24 papers, of which 12 for SoP of
decision-making, and 12 for ToP of decision-making. Apart
from these, there are 6 papers involving in the TA process
that focus on other issues like maintenance or protocols.
Some papers we analyzed focus not only on one stage. They
can focus on two or more stages, such as proposing task
models as well as new algorithms for TA.

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allocation technology. We divide the content of those papers
into six different stages of allocation workflow, as shown in

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Fig. 1, including (1) task description and modelling, (2)
analysis and modelling of TA process, (3) algorithm

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selection for TA, (4) decision-making of TA, (5) simulation,
and (6) task execution. Then we give a separate analysis of
each stage‘s function and nowadays achievements.
Fig. 2 Distribution of the selected papers

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Manufacturing
Task
The 3 Literature Review of TA
preparatory Task description and
phase modeling
There exists no similar review in the domain of intelligent
manufacturing task allocation. In this section, different
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Analysis and stages in the workflow of TA are analyzed. These six stages
modeling of TA
process
are divided into three phases, i.e., the preparatory phase of
task description and modelling, the authentication phase
Algorithm selection of simulation stage and task execution stage, as well as the
for TA
main processing phase of TA including the analysis and
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Decision-making of modelling of TA process, algorithm selection for TA, and

TA decision-making of TA. They are discussed separately as
follows.
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System-oriented Task-oriented
The main 3.1 Task Description and Modelling
processing scheme
phase
When it comes to manufacturing TA, the first concern is
the problem of task description and modelling, which uses
Decision-making
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simulation mathematical and computer languages to provide the

necessary information for the quantitative description of a
VV&A
N certain task. Since the description process often displays on
the form of task model, the analysis process often involves
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Y large data volumes and multiple related factors. A perfect

N description of task can greatly smooth and accelerate the TA
Execution simulation VV&A
process, and finally meets customers‘ demands and enhance
Y productivity. Task analysis process usually consists of three
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Task execution
phases, i.e., (a) collecting task-related data which shows
system‘s capability, (b) concluding those data with graphs,
The N
authentication
Meet the formats or models, and (c) finding out practical solutions
demands?
phase according to task requirements. Task analysis and
Y
description are widely applied in a variety of circumstances,
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such as manufacturing industries both using manpower and
with machinery. They should also be considered even in the
Fig. 1 Workflow of TA field of education and financial industry.
Previous studies have concentrated a lot in combining
The number of papers that each stage involves is task analysis and computer modelling, so as to better
illustrated in Fig. 2. Of all the 91 papers we analyzed, there identify system requirements and operating plans with
are 77 papers concerning the TA process, and another 15 human-machine interaction (Kontogiannis 2003). For
papers involved in other parts of this paper, such as industry example, a study conducted by Kontogiannis (2003)
proposed 12 basic requirements to accomplish that

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integration using Colored Petri Net. Those requirements
separately reflect aspects of task representation, control and
decision-making, and usability. Liu et al. (2016) also set up
multi-objective models and algorithms after quantitative
analysis of task granularity, which provided necessary
support for task decomposition.
There exist many modelling methods which have
significant influences for industrial domain or existing
manufacturing systems, such as cloud manufacturing
(CMfg), collaborative manufacturing, manufacturing grid
(MGrid), e-manufacturing, etc. Several examples are listed
below.
Considering industrial ergonomics, various task analysis
techniques have been developed. Kontogiannis (2003)
described a method that involves both analysis and
modelling within a single framework based on the 12 basic
requirements above. It presents an integrated view of
information flow, and is closely related to the adaptation to
system changes, which includes changes in workload, TA,
priorities, human errors, etc. Before those researches,
although not accurately applicable in nowadays situation,
existing approaches, such as Micro SAINT, higher-order
software and WinCrew, have provided useful references for
researchers.
In CMfg system, Wang et al. (2014) proposed a
modelling framework which has the characteristics of US
heterogeneity, uncertainty, diversity, correlation of sub-tasks,
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and the requests for service demand and real-time
information. This framework is based on ontology of CMfg
task to solve the general CMfg task ontology construction
problem, and to develop the task sub-ontology extracted
from general CMfg task ontology.
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Yao et al. (2009) put forward a collaborative
manufacturing task information model based on the
information structure of logical manufacturing unit and
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logical manufacturing process, expecting to solve complex
part constructing problem.
In MGrid system, He et al. (2011) proposed an ontology
model of manufacturing task based on the combination
study of ontology and MGrid, which involves basic
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ontology and MGrid classes, as well as requirement model
of service capacity of MGrid task. Tao et al. (2011) also
analyzed MGrid system. They proposed a framework to
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decompose manufacturing tasks into several sub-tasks and
give an optimized selection of resource service.
In e-manufacturing system, Zhang et al. (2012) proposed
a comprehensive mathematical model to solve the
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manufacturing resource configuration problem. This model
considers factors like batch volume and alternative
processing routes, which are more practical for
manufacturing cell formation. It fits the request of e-
manufacturing quite well, since it solves the problem
concerning resource‘s visibility and traceability.
Analysis and modelling process are deeply integrated in
recent researches. Also, they all have different focuses and
application areas, and most of them are targeted in certain
manufacturing systems. Systems own various characteristics
due to different practice routines, so in order to optimize
such process, the corresponding modelling method puts
different weights on those factors. To test the practical use
of those models, not only computer simulation verification,
but also conventional sampling survey methods are widely
applied. For example, Zona and Zattoni (2007) developed a
model that relates group‘s social-psychological processes to
service, monitoring and networking board tasks, and tested
the model through a survey of 301 Italian large
manufacturing firms.
3.2 Analysis and Modelling of TA Process
According to the definition given by Gordon (2002), TA
is the process that results in specific workers being engaged
in specific tasks, with numbers appropriate to the current
situation. It operates without any central or hierarchical
control, at the same time focuses on task‘s type and
operating pattern. The process of TA goes after task
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description and modelling, during which the characteristics
of task have already been analyzed.
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Researches have been conducted in different
manufacturing systems with different characteristics. In
order to better illustrate the TA process, specific models are
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built in different manufacturing systems. It is gradually
known that, an effective description of TA and system
design needs to take product‘s evolution into account (Ko
and Hu 2007). Nowadays, single-task service is gradually
replaced by multi-task requirements. This situation makes
the single-task-oriented allocation and optimization methods
out of action. At the same time, it leads to the emergence of
more complex modelling approaches for multi-task
circumstances. The literature review of analysis and
modelling of TA process in different manufacturing systems
will be separately illustrated as follows.
3.2.1 TA Process Modelling in Multi-agent-based
Manufacturing System
Multi-agent system is one of the most promising areas for
TA. It consists of several intelligent agents in distributed
environment to solve complex engineering problems. TA
based on multi-agent system owns a certain level of
flexibility to adjust to the customer‘s requirements.
According to Vokrinek et al. (2011), the TA process of
multi-agent system can be divided into three phases:
preprocessing, task deposition and allocation, and resource
planning. As for existing researches, Owliya et al. (2010)
proposed four models based on interaction protocols and
topologies of multi-agent systems. A Java-based multi-agent
system was developed to simulate different scenarios of TA
and to compare the four models‘ performance. Vokrinek et
al. (2011) presented an abstract architecture to balance the
allocation of tasks to the agent, as well as a corresponding
algorithm for implementing a wide variety of practical
multi-agent-planning and problem-solving system.
3.2.2 TA Process Modelling in Multi-robot Manufacturing
System
In multi-robot manufacturing systems, as more and more
collaborative robots are designed for specific tasks in
automatic production lines since 1960s, they gradually, and
will continuously replace human force in the near future.
Sarker et al. (2014) examined 16 e-puck robots in a simple
manufacturing environment under the framework using
attractive field model (a generic model of self-organized
division of labour derived from the observation of ants,
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human and robot social system which can allocate the task
and labor autonomously). This study concluded that a multi-
robot manufacturing system will not perform well unless it
adopts an effective performing and sensing strategy.
Costelha and Lima (2012) also introduced a framework
using Petri Nets to represent robot task plan. This
framework includes the modelling, analyzing, planning and
execution part of task. In robotic manufacturing system,
there is a mixture of sensing and control process of low-
level system, and behavior and perception of high-level one.
Those processes usually consist of several continuous and
discrete tasks such as sensing, moving, picking up and
transport. Whereas, it has been a challenging problem to
integrate the sensing and control and behavior and
perception of certain systems. To solve this, Zhang et al.
(2018) put forward a method based on a two-stage strategy
for dynamic cloud task scheduling and its TA process. Both
discrete and continuous actions can be planned and
controlled based on this model, and the interaction between
the two actions can be formulated analytically.
3.2.3 TA Process Modelling in Cellular Manufacturing
System
Cellular manufacturing system (CMS) is another hybrid
system that combines the advantages both in the wide
variety of the manufacturing products and the high
production rate of the assembly line. It can cope with the
US task time in multi-model manufacturing line design. They
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production environment which has a demand for mid-
volume and mid variety production mixes. Liu et al. (2016)
proposed a joint decision-making model to handle the TA
problem in CMS under dual-resource constrained setting.
That model involves the consideration for multi-skilled
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resources, operation sequence, operating and material
handling costs, etc. Lehoux-Lebacque et al. (2015)
established the polynomial complexity for the coupled TA
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problem and discussed the differences in TA process when
the number of tasks varies. They also pointed out that the
application of coupled TA problem involves robotic cells
and manufacturing.
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3.2.4 TA Process Modelling in Cloud Manufacturing System
Similarly, in CMfg systems, allocating and producing
process are carried out through intelligent and unified
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methods to achieve the optimization purpose through
manufacturing process. The CMfg system has generated
great deal of interest due to its applicability for globalization,
and the number of papers concerning this domain maintains
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a sustainable growth. The distribution of tasks involves
many modern technologies and theories, such as big data,
cloud computing, virtualization and Internet of things. As
for the resource allocation in Cloud Manufacturing, Wang et
al. (2016) proposed a model containing four indicators: cost,
time, quality and risk. It can improve the process and
efficiency of allocating by matching tasks with resources
according to the task‘s condition. Jiang et al. (2016)
analyzed the TA process in cloud-based disassembly system.
They abstracted that, the disassembly resource in one
factory should be allocated to execute disassembly tasks,
and built a mathematical model to analyze the allocation
process. This model considers the uncertainty nature of
process, as well as the precedence relationships of
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disassembly tasks.
3.2.5 TA Process Modelling for Assembly/Disassembly Line
There exist many studies on the topic of assembly line
balancing. Assembly line is one of the most commonly used
manufacturing processes to produce final products in a flow
line. It is the basis of many manufacturing systems. It
consists of several tasks. Those tasks are assigned to
different workstations separately from high-priority to low-
priority in order to complete the whole manufacturing
process in a most optimized way. The assembly line plays
an important role in producing large quantities of standard
commodity, and recently makes its way to customized
products. As a result, it can be described as a flow-oriented
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manufacturing system, which has great significance on the
manufacturing task and resource allocation in the system
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layer. Since the TA problem is introduced in assembly line
issues, approaches have been proposed to solve it, such as
metaheuristics or particle swarm optimization (PSO)
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method. Li and Mo (2015) established a multi-weight
contribution balance model and gave a corresponding task
queue optimization method for assembly line. Nazarian et al.
(2010) paid their attention to the sequence dependent inter-
presented a mathematical optimization model using mixed
integer programming to minimize manufacturing line cost.
The developed model will help enhance task-station
assignment. There may be more changes of the analysis
process under the assumption that task sequences are known
but the workforce is partially cross-trained and some tasks
can alternate between workstations. Askin and Chen (2006)
considered this case and proposed a cross-training method
to improve the flexibility and other characteristics of
assembly line. Tuncel and Topaloglu (2013) also analyzed
the assembly line balancing problem in an electronic
company with restraints on position and task assignment.
For another, there are some researches concerning the
disassembly line balancing problem, which shares same
feathers with assembly line to some extent. Disassembly
line problem aims at determining an effective line design to
obtain useful materials by disassembling used products. Koc
et al. (2009) studied the disassembly line balancing problem
in reverse manufacturing and developed two exact
formulations. Those formulations use an AND/OR Graph as
the main input so as to ensure the feasibleness of precedence
relations among the tasks.
There remains a gap between the real assembly line
balancing situation and researches. A lot of extended factors
should be considered simultaneously for a practical problem.
Boysen et al. (2008) analyzed different practical settings and
structured the solving procedure of assembly line balancing.
They built a model to simulate the process, thus helping
operators choose balancing procedures according to their
own assembly line types.
3.2.6 Others
The coverage of those systems above have some
intersecting situations, as the characteristics of
manufacturing system are becoming more and more
complex.
Moreover, there are also other manufacturing patterns. In
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flexible manufacturing system, Shah et al. (2016) proposed
an improved colored Petri Net model to reduce the system‘s
analysis time during investigation. This method can reduce
the resultant invariants which may lead to the reduced
complexity of system.
On another side, in MGrid system, TA methods,
especially the resource allocation of it, is extensively
examined by researchers. Liu et al. (2011) proposed a
resource allocation model and integrated it into its
evolutionary process to construct the MGrid. They also
analyzed its influence to MGrid network structure.
From the above review we can learn that, the analysis and
modelling of TA process have changed their focus from
single task to multi-task operations. That greatly enhances
the complexity for allocation process description. The core
concept for TA in recent researches is collaboration. That
involves the collaboration of different manufacturing
systems or distributed machines, as well as different robots
in one manufacturing system. Manufacturing individuals
usually have open communication channels, so that they can
behave according to restraints, integrate their independent
producing patterns and achieve the optimal solution.
However, as the process becoming more and more complex,
there lack researches on the consideration of task‘s
uncertainty and how systems can correct themselves from
inescapable mistakes on the beginning part of TA process
analyze and modelling.
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3.3 Algorithm Design and Selection for TA
Algorithm is an important supporting tool for
manufacturing TA modelling and simulation. Owing to
different characteristics of systems, the emphasis of
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allocation processes varies from each other, leading to a
great difference in algorithm selection.
Basic algorithms that are often used include PSO,
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simulated annealing (SA) algorithm, genetic algorithm (GA),
fuzzy algorithm, etc. Some techniques like machine learning
and soft computing are also commonly used for TA. On the
other hand, due to the limitation of basic algorithms in
increasingly complex systems, improvements of these
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algorithms are also studied. In recent researches, different
hybrid algorithms are proposed for different cases. These
hybrid algorithms are evaluated to take the advantages of
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existing algorithms mentioned above. Also, some newly-
developed algorithms are proposed to better solve TA
problems.
3.3.1 Basic Algorithm Design and Selection
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Some TA problems adopt the existing basic approaches to
get the optimized result. Maione and Naso (2003) proposed
a new task contracting schema for multi-agent
manufacturing using soft computing method. Soft
computing is an evolving collection of methodologies which
can improve the tolerance for imprecision and uncertainty to
achieve robustness, tractability and low costs (Dote and
Ovaska 2001). They also adopted other evolutionary
strategies to analyze TA as manufacturing situation changes,
such as part agent decision algorithm.
As for CMS, Taghavifard (2012) studied the scheduling
problem in CMS with sequence-dependent setup time. It is
solved by using ant colony optimization and GA. Zhou et al
(2018) also proposed an improved artificial bee colony
algorithm by adopting some kind of synergetic mechanism,
new strategy and computing scheme. Venkataramanaiah
(2008) analyzed a SA algorithm for the scheduling problem
in flow-line-based CMS, in which some products require no
processing on certain machines. This algorithm can find an
optimized sequence, thus shortens the flow time and
spending.
Baykasoğlu and Özbakır (2015) used GA to form a new
approach for balancing simple assembly lines. GA is fully
used to discover the TA rules and increase the speed and
accuracy of assembly line balancing.
Basic algorithms are used to solving relatively ordinary
TA problems in manufacturing. As tasks and machines
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becoming more complex, algorithms are going through
continuous fusion and improvement.
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3.3.2 Improved Algorithm Design and Selection
Improvements for algorithms are studied by researchers
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and applied in TA process. Such improvements let basic
algorithms better fit practical situations. Improved
algorithms take a dominant position in algorithm design and
selection of TA process. There are 8 articles concerning the
improvement of existing algorithms.
Liu et al. (2013) proposed a matrix-coded GA based on
hybrid operators. This method is used for multi-task
operations, such as solving the issue of multi-task oriented
manufacturing cloud service composition and optimization
with the ‗Multi-Composition for Each Task‘ pattern.
Jian and Wang (2014) improved a cooperative PSO
algorithm to strengthen the fast convergence ability and
avoid local optimization. They used this improved algorithm
to solve the TA problem in CMfg, which requires dynamic
and real-time reflection and more precise disposal of big
data.
Wang et al. (2016) used a new swap-shuffled leap-frog
algorithm (SSLFA) to propose a resource allocation model
in CMfg systems. This algorithm is the improvement of
shuffled leap-frog algorithm (SLFA), which was proposed
based on PSO and memetic algorithm. They tested the
algorithm with different example scales and end conditions,
and compared it with PSO and SA to find its superiority.
Jiang et al. (2016) also proposed a multi-objective GA for
TA in cloud-based disassembly line. This algorithm is on the
basis on non-dominated sorting GA II and can perform well
in practical situation. Computation results show that the
algorithm can generate a set of Pareto optimal solutions.
Huang and Wang (2010) used a concurrent GA to solve
the problem of TA and capacity planning of manufacturing
systems. They figured out that in real situation, TA problem
and the capacity planning problem are coupled with each
other. Product capacity should be regulated for completing
the tasks. Numerical experiments were conducted to verify
the effectiveness of the algorithm on solving the two
coupled optimization problem.
Liu et al. (2016) proposed a discrete bacteria foraging
algorithm with elaborately-designed solution representation
and bacteria evolution operators to solve the cell formation
and TA problem in CMS.
Oğuz et al. (2004) presented an approximation algorithm
based on the idea of tabu research. They found that this
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algorithm is effective even for large-size problems, because
its performance does not depend on the distribution of job
processing times.
When it comes to job shop scheduling problem (JSSP), in
which the selection of the best scheduling solution is not
polynomially bounded, heuristic methods are often
considered. Scaria et al. (2016) proposed an algorithm based
on artificial bee colony approach to solve the JSSP, which
involves two performance measures rather than the single
criteria that most researchers did.
3.3.3 Hybrid Algorithm Design and Selection
Apart from papers involves algorithm selection, lots of
work has been done to propose newly-designed hybrid
algorithms. Hybrid algorithms can take advantage of
different basic approaches, thus achieve better results. Zhao
et al. (2007) described a hybrid algorithm based on PSO and
SA for the allocation in holonic manufacturing system
(HMS). PSO has fast convergent rate. At the same time, it
has the disadvantages of low accuracy and divergence. This
hybrid algorithm combines the high speed of PSO with the
powerful ability of SA to avoid being trapped in local
minimum. That makes the system more reconfigurable and
fault-tolerance.
Son (2014) adopted machine learning and fuzzy
optimization to introduce an algorithm. This method can
better control robot‘s part micro-manipulation. The
US between theory and reality, such as the state of operators
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augmenting accurate control is proposed with some
measures of intelligence to reduce the uncertainty of task
execution.
Józefczyk (2006) introduced three hybrid solution
algorithms to solve the TA problem with moving executors
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for minimum completion time. These algorithms are formed
based on evolutionary approach, and are different in the way
that SA metaheuristics applied. It shows the best result when
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the SA and the evolutionary algorithm (EA) are applied
alternatively, which improves up to 13% compared with
individual EA, but causes an increase in the computation
time.
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3.3.4 Newly-developed Algorithm
New algorithms are also proposed for specific TA
environment. There is only one paper in this literature
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review that involves newly-developed algorithm. Hashemi
and Ghiasi (2010) proposed a provably-effective algorithm
to assign the tasks to processors in heterogeneous soft
multiprocessor systems with mapping streaming application.
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They addressed that their approach is versatile and can
apply to a variety of platforms.
The selection of algorithm is influenced by the
complexity level of the original algorithm, the adaptive
capacity to various situations, as well as their effects on the
allocation optimization. There are many indicators that can
estimate algorithm‘s performance, such as the difficulty, and
accuracy or operating time. Of all the papers concerning
algorithm selection for TA process, most of the improved or
newly-designed approaches focus on the optimization of
accuracy.
3.4 Decision-making of TA
When it comes to decision-making process of TA, there
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are two separate ways of thinking. First is the traditional
process of using one existing, unique system for the
production of goods, i.e., SoP of decision-making.
Traditionally we tend to analyze things of manufacturing
from the system layer. We are trying to find out how to use
the current manufacturing system to produce target products
efficiently, and how to manage the whole lifecycle of
manufacturing task to make it scientific and easy to operate.
As to the second one, ToP of decision-making, is to analyze
the characteristics of tasks and allocate different parts of
them to different, existing manufacturing systems, which
can greatly improve the efficiency and quality of production,
but put more requirements on the interconnection and
cooperation of manufacturing machines and allocation
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methods.
There are many influencing factors for the result of
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decision-making process of TA, along with different
indicators for system performance, such as time, cost,
reliability or variance. The optimal result is relative.
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Operators tend to assign different weights for different
indicators. Under this assumption, they identify the
effectiveness of their algorithms by simulation. Also, for
practical situation, some influences can lead to the errors
and machines. Some simplified conditions can also have
negative influences, such as the ignorance of task operating
time uncertainty during allocation process. All those factors
need quantitative consideration in the decision-making stage
of TA.
There are many papers concerning the topic of decision-
making process. They focus on different systems or
circumstances with different factors and corresponding
weights. Decision-making processes, both SoP and ToP, are
separately illustrated below.
3.4.1 System-oriented Process of Decision-making
TA on the manufacturing task system layer is a traditional
allocating method. Mature methods have been developed to
maintain the sustainable operation of certain manufacturing
systems over longtime practice. For example, the optimized
layouts of traditional production lines in automobile
industries can adapt to the mass production pattern of
certain products or parts. Also, the traditional flow
manufacturing industries consist of the whole process that
transfers raw materials to final products.
Traditional manufacturing systems represent mass
production. They own the characteristics of high production
rate and high machine utilization due to the mature
procedures and fixed machines. However, it becomes hard
for these systems to adjust to outer or inner changes, making
them not applicable to customized production. As a result,
the number of papers concerning this topic is gradually
decreasing as time goes by.
As the development of information and computer control
technology, those manufacturing systems are changing their
patterns to some extent in order to increase flexibility. New
kinds of systems or machines emerge, such as the flexible
manufacturing system. It is based on Computer Numerical
Control (CNC) Machine Tool, which can be allocated multi-
product, small-lot productions, thus represents the level of
automation. Tripathi et al. (2005) presented a multi-agent-
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based approach to solve the part selection and TA problem
with flexible manufacturing departments. It has some
amount of flexibility that enables manufacturing system to
react in case of predicted or unpredicted changes on
production requirements. Maione and Naso (2003) proposed
a task contracting method based on soft computing in multi-
agent manufacturing control. They applied fuzzy techniques
and implemented a real-time, multi-criteria task contracting
mechanism for part flow control.
When models are formed, decisions can be made
according to different requirements or restrictions of the
practical situation. For example, Tuncel and Topaloglu
(2013) used the example in an electronic company to
illustrate the assembly line balancing problem with
restrictions on position, task assignment and station
paralleling. Huang et al. (2012) constructed a model to
analyze the empirical effects of the task environment on
reverse logistic commitment.
The allocation decision of designer is greatly influenced
by factors related to not only tasks, but also their own
design practices (Papantonopoulos 2004). That can be
reflected on the human factor engineering. The influence of
human factor engineering should be extended to the
description study of system design and other stages of TA. A
comparative study of cognitive TA problem in a flexible
manufacturing system is provided and the differences
between normative and actual practice of system design is
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illustrated. Zamorano and Stolletz (2016) also provided a
branch-and-price approach for multi-period technician
routing and scheduling problem motivated by the case of an
external maintenance provider. Molleman and Annick
(2007) turned their focus on the relationship between
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worker flexibility in team-based work and its perceived
contribution to efficiency, work quality and innovation.
However, their assumption is that all technicians are
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proficient in different skills, which is an ideal situation that
will not always occur in our daily life.
Machines also need accurate selection in decision-making
process of TA. CNC machine and flexible manufacturing
system represent the autonomic level of manufacturing and
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allocating. Wu et al. (2010) gave an example of CNC
machine. Based on multiple criteria considered by different
decision makers and their variance of important weights and
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preference ratings, they proposed a group decision-making
framework using fuzzy VIKOR method to select machine
tools with different linguistic information, so as to
accomplish the repetitive, difficult and unsafe
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manufacturing tasks more efficiently.
As to the decision-making of assembly line balancing
problem, there will also be great harm or even company‘s
bankruptcy if advanced manufacturing technologies are not
handled correctly. Jorge and Alejandro (2013) addressed the
main problems that assembly plants have to confront, viz.,
maintenance, required special installations, far-away
suppliers. Li and Mo (2015) made the final decision by
calculating the balanced indicator weight and improve the
technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal
solution. Ramos et al. (1998) also proposed a computing
method to find out the correct and efficient alternative
solutions for a certain assembly line balancing or TA
problem. Since the major difficulty of the problem lies in
the topology of the precedence between operations, they
created a slot-block theory to compute the precedence graph.
To reduce the error caused by the ignorance of operating
time uncertainty in the disassembly line balancing problem,
Bentaha et al. (2015) proposed a decision tool to allow the
decision makers find the best disassembly process and
assign it to End of Life products. That can ensure the best
workstation for manufacturing under precedence and cycle
time constraint, thus improves the decision accuracy.
3.4.2 Task-oriented Process of Decision-making
As addressed before, ToP of decision-making, is to
analyze the characteristics of tasks and allocate different
parts of them to different, existing manufacturing systems.
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The rapid development of advanced manufacturing
technology has enabled enterprises and other manufacturers
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to carry out productive operations in a more customized way.
It is a fairly new manufacturing style since the focus of
manufacturing process shifts from system‘s ability to the
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demand of tasks. For manufacturing TA, there are many
ways to optimize allocating and execution process by
making full use of various manufacturing resources. At the
same time, there remain considerations of how to allocate
the tasks to different machines or groups to minimize the
overall cost. Researches have been conducted to achieve the
optimum use of manufacturing systems for the request of
certain task.
Collaborative production system appears suitable to the
current requirements of ToP in manufacturing industry. It is
a system that has large scale, complicated task, specialized
function and high opacity. In collaborative producing
pattern, a task can be divided into several independent
elements, such as raw material procuring and storing,
manufacture performing, goods storage and transport. Each
individual entity cooperates with each other to achieve the
optimized result. That is a representative of task-oriented
thinking. Ko and Nof (2012) investigated the design of
Task Administration Protocol (TAP) and non-TAP
Coordinate Protocol (CP) in collaborative production
systems for effective allocation and administration. They
proposed a framework of protocols, in which TAPs are
designed as a control mechanism to manage complex
manufacturing situation. They are activated for priority-
based allocation, resource-aware allocation, task re-
allocation in different manufacturing situation.
Besides collaborative manufacturing system, TA process
in MGrid system also represents the idea of task-oriented
decision-making. MGrid is a newly-proposed resource-
sharing platform. Tao et al. (2011) built a framework
focusing on the resource service optimal-selection problem
in MGrid system. They managed to decompose tasks and
match different sub-tasks with qualified resource service.
Also, to evaluate and improve the quality and speed of
resource allocation so as to find the optimal one, Yufeng et
al. (2007) established an indices library. Decisions can be
made according to their evaluation model and particular
algorithm.
Network manufacturing is another new mode that realize
the recombination of manufacturing resources and services.
It is a network-based manufacturing system which uses
network techniques, manufacturing technologies and other
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method to break through the limitation of enterprise
production scope and management mode.
Of all the task-oriented manufacturing modes mentioned
above, supply chain is of great significance in TA process.
The supply chain is a system of organizations, people,
activities, information and resources involved in transferring
a product or service from supplier to customer. Its
arrangement influences the transfer of raw materials and
arrangement of machines or factories. The optimal
allocation of those resources is a challenging task for supply
chain deployment in current competitive, dynamic
manufacturing environment. There are many objectives that
affect the function of systems requiring simultaneous
considerations, such as time, cost, quality and risks, etc.
Zhang et al. (2016) used the Teaching-Learning-Based
Optimization algorithm to solve both the resource selection
and resource sequencing discrete combinatorial
optimization problem simultaneously. The result verifies
that it can obtain a better manufacturing resource allocation
plan than current algorithms.
The task-oriented allocating and manufacturing pattern
has led to the emergence of virtual enterprises. Those
enterprises focus on organizing manufacturing activities
both within themselves and across the whole supply
network they established. They share their skills,
manufacturing lines of other core competences in order to
better correspond to task changes or business opportunities.
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There are many researches on the decision-making process
of TA for virtual enterprises. Choi et al. (2007) proposed a
task assignment method for virtual enterprises to select
manufacturing partners and allocate tasks within the formed
groups. Chen et al. (2007) also proposed a qualitative search
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algorithm for partner-selecting and task-allocating in the
formation of dynamic virtual enterprises. Ko et al. (2001)
explained a method to designate certain virtual enterprise
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with the consideration of minimizing the production and
transportation cost.
The task-oriented cooperation needs information
technology, which is adopted by many markets and
manufacture enterprises to improve their long-term
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operating strategies. Enterprises join into several
reconfigurable, network-like, dynamic groups where they
can make full use of other‘s equipment through allocating
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process. As a result, many strategies are put forward to fit
this trend. Liu et al. (2014) proposed a collaborative design
mechanism which meets the requirements of collaborative
product design for distributed product development, aiming
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to satisfy the increasing demands as the collaboration
network becoming more and more complicated.
Collaborative product design is an important part of
collaborate manufacturing, and enables different
organizations to work together for a certain task to reduce
the expense and improve the product quality. Also, by using
the concept of agile manufacturing, Wu et al. (2003)
proposed a distributed network manufacturing mode in
which dispersed manufacturing units are connected. Those
units work together autonomously to accomplish certain
manufacturing tasks. Meanwhile, they still have ability to
solve other problems independently.
There are some other task-oriented design methods for
TA. For example, Jiao et al. (2004) proposed a prototype
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intelligent concurrent design task planner to shorten the time
of time-to-market process and improve the agility of a
manufacturing system. Several integral programs and a
column generation formulation is present by Ernst et al.
(2006) to solve the TA problems both for capacitated
manufacturing environment and for incapacitated one.
3.5 Task Simulation
Simulation means imitating the operations of real tasks or
processes by using a set of models and other technologies.
Those models are established beforehand to calculate and
describe the real situation which varies as time goes by. The
difference between modelling and simulation is that, model
represents the manufacturing TA, and the simulation process
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represents the operation of system over a certain time period.
As a result, task simulation is of same importance as task
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modelling. During simulation process, the validity of
models can be identified.
In the TA process, simulation is divided into two parts:
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decision-making simulation and execution simulation.
Decision-making simulation refers to the simulation
verification for the result of decision-making of TA. And
execution simulation refers to the forward simulation for the
3.5.1 Decision-making Simulation
As the development of modern technique of task analysis,
modelling and simulation process can be achieved within
the same framework. Decision-making simulation is an
important method to identify its validity. For example, in
order to reduce productive cost and save time, Jian and
Wang (2014) put forward a dual-objective model with the
EA. Simulation experiments are followed, proving that the
conduction of this model is effective for real situation. Zha
and Lim (2000) proposed a knowledge-based expert Petri
net model to solve the problem of assembly/disassembly
planning. It can generate the best strategy and plan, and is
exemplified by task simulation process as well as a real
assembly line.
In addition, decision-making simulation can be used to
assess the operating rules of certain task. Chien (2006)
studied the control problem of automated guided vehicles
(AGVs). They put forward a simulation process to assess
the performance of task-determination rules and delivery-
dispatching rules for the multi-load AGVs in different
circumstances. They achieved the best combination of those
rules by understanding their mutual effects.
3.5.2 Execution Simulation
As for task execution process, more detailed issues
should be considered to achieve a more matched result.
There are many papers concerning the simulation method,
and trying to make the execution simulation process more
similar to reality. Human factor is taken as an important
consideration when simulating, because in manufacturing
enterprises, human operator is viewed as the most adaptable
element. Thus, the simulation on human tasks provides a
great reference to system‘s design, assessment and
improvements. For example, in order to evaluate the
working process and human factors in autonomous
production cell, Zhang et al. (2008) proposed a collective
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study of different human-centered simulation approaches
and their corresponding methodology in advanced
manufacturing systems.
3.6 Task Execution
Task execution is the last stage of manufacturing TA
workflow, and is the only way to test whether former TA
procedure correspond to real situation. In other words, the
former allocation processes should be organized around the
task execution, thus can achieve the best effects.
In task execution stage, there exist many realistic factors
that may influence the consequence of simulation or the
final profit of allocating pattern, such as environment issue,
labor issue or space issue. These influencing factors should
be considered beforehand on decision-making stage.
Moreover, extra adjustments are needed for optimization.
Lots of researchers, such as Jayaswal and Agarwal (2014),
pointed out that the improved U-shaped assembly lines can
help the manufacturing industry overcome many
disadvantages of traditional lines, such as inflexibility, job
monotony, large inventories, etc. Lung (2007) proposed a
novel approach based on odd algorithm to preserve task
condition. This method goes beyond mathematical
calculation of quality and efficiency, and turns to the
domain of eco-efficiency in the product lifecycle.
Proper use of industrial robot can also do some help in
optimizing the final result of allocating. Perumaal and
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Jawahar (2013) analyzed the pick-and-place task of
industrial robot and proposed an automated trajectory
planner to determine a smooth, minimum-time and
collision-free trajectory. Kootbally (2016) presented a
capability model of industrial robot for assembly work,
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which can be used to identify the most suitable robot for
manufacturers. Due to their great speed, precision and cost-
effectiveness in repetitive work, those robots tend to be used
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in place of human workers in automated manufacturing
system. Meanwhile, allocating works to robots can not only
increase the working efficiency, but also reduce worker‘s
physical damage. For example, Gooyers and Stevenson
(2012) analyzed the impact of the increasing work rate on
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task demands for an industrial hand tool assembly task.
They found that as the work rate increases, speed fastening
workers may be exposed to an elevatory risk of
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musculoskeletal injury, which is common for work
completed at shoulder height. As a result, the development
of continuous feed tool is one path to productivity
improvement and maintenance of worker‘s health.
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Safety issue is of great significance for task execution.
Marvel et al. (2015) conducted a risk assessment for human-
robot collaborative tasks. They pointed out that this task-
based safety assessment can be evaluated offline by utilizing
a flexible ontology for task deposition on the initial design
stage. During task execution process, operators‘ health
condition also deserves attention. For example,
manufacturers should avoid prolong standing posture during
monotonous tasks, since it may lead to disorders, such as
fatigue, pain and muscle stiffness Balasubramanian et al.
(2009).
Task execution performance should be analyzed to find
out the optimized method for task execution. Paulsen et al.
(2014) conducted a case study to evaluate the inter-
reliability of cyclic and non-cyclic appliance manufacturing
tasks. They used the hand activity level (HAL) to measure
the exposure to repetitive exertions during cyclic and non-
cyclic tasks and demonstrated that HAL may be a reliable
tool for assessment.
3.7 Others
There are other papers concerning the improvements or
the analysis of the existing allocation process. They
separately described as follows.
3.7.1 Maintenance
Maintenance is an influencing factor for the performance
and stability of task execution. According to a survey
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conducted in some industrial plants, among 26 most
commented and reported problems, maintenance is one of
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the main problems that factories need to face when they
plan to implement advanced manufacturing technologies in
their assembly lines (Jorge and Alejandro 2013).
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Maintenance problems include the performance of assembly
line in the long run, the sustainable quantity demanded,
stable stuff members, etc. The problem of task maintenance
may generate bankruptcy if not handle properly. In task-
oriented industrial management, task maintenance refers to
the ability to maximize the recurrences of manufacturing
tasks on the same machine throughout product evolution
(Kovács 2016).
The problem of maintenance costs a lot of expense in
industries. From 1979, the maintenance cost of U.S.
industrial firms increased by 10%-15% per year (Li and Ni
2009), and can reach 15%-70% of production costs varying
from industry types (Bevilacqua and Braglia 2000). From
the existing literature we can learn that, most of the
conventional decision support systems for maintenance and
production have a focus on long-term statistical analysis,
and are based on heuristic methods or experience.
Nevertheless, Li and Ni (2009) proposed a short-term
decision support system to respond to the dynamic changes
in system behaviors.
3.7.2 Protocol
For more effective performance in collaborative
manufacturing, protocols are essentially needed to regulate
the act of groups or agents. On the other hand, Protocol
transition plays an important role in today‘s collaborative
manufacturing, since it promotes the information system
integration. Anussornnitisarn et al. (2002) thought that, two
major ingredients for future effective automated
collaboration are autonomous agents and active protocols.
They used the time-out protocol to solve congestion
problems in multi-agent system with distributed
manufacturing environment. Ko and Nof (2012) designed a
Task Administration Protocol (TAP) to manage the complex
situation. TAPs is constituted of three component protocols:
Task Requirement Analysis Protocol, Shared Resource
Allocation Protocol and Synchronization & Time-out
protocol. They are triggered at certain stage in task
administration.
4. Future Research Directions of Intelligent TA
Manufacturing task intelligent allocation is going through
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a complex development to meet the requirements of ToP of
decision-making in manufacturing systems. The customized
trend pushes manufacturers and researchers to make TA
process more efficient, beneficial and quantified, thus
improves the productivity, efficiency and enterprise‘s profits.
Considering the requirements of new trends or new
objectives, and introducing some new technologies or
theories, the further intelligent TA in manufacturing systems
becomes possible. Some specific research directions are
pointed out. These derived research directions separately
correspond to new TA mode, modelling theory,
configuration mechanism, solving method, configuration
target and execution mode, as shown in Fig. 3. Actually, the
influences are not totally independent. For example, new
technologies lead to the development of new TA mode, and
TA mode puts new requirements on configuration
mechanism and target. New configuration mode causes
different TA problem, which can also result in new
modelling theory. On the other hand, new configuration
problem and modelling method will lead to new
configuration mechanism and solving method as well. New
execution mode is another significant reflection of the
application of related technologies in advanced
manufacturing systems. These techniques and theories are
among the above-mentioned six effects, and enable
manufacturing systems progressing into a more complicated,
deeply-networked, service-oriented structure, at the same
US complex parts and product size. The accomplishment of
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time influence the intelligent TA pattern.
4.1 Information Integration-driven TA Mode and
Problem Description
4.1.1 CPS and SOA Based Information Integration
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For future TA, smart and collaborative manufacturing
will gradually take the dominant position, because of its
characteristics of low-cost, high flexibility and short
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manufacturing time. Customer-focused manufacturing and
service systems process task more efficiently due to the
integrated power of multiple participants. The development
of resource allocation or TA methods in advanced
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manufacturing systems aims at realizing the collaborative
manufacturing, during which process, information
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Fig. 3 Future directions of intelligent TA
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integration technology is one of basic conditions.
Cyber physical system (CPS) Gurdur and Asplund (2018)
and Service-oriented Architecture (SOA) Viriyasitavat and
Martin (2017) are created to analyze and enhance this
integration trend. CPS is the core of Industry 4.0, and is
used to realize the information integration between cyber
world and physical world. SOA has been used as the main
information integration framework. Service uses specific
protocols to regulate the process of passing and parsing
messages in SOA. Those services in different systems can
interact with each other in a unified and universal way. The
information integration in TA process based on CPS and
SOA can be achieved to offer suggestions for manufacturing
decision-making, and is attracting more and more attention.
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4.1.2 Complex Networks Theory based Systems and
Problem Modelling
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The complex network theory provides a useful thinking
method for analyzing complexity science and complex
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systems, especially for collaborative manufacturing systems.
There exist many complex relationships between different
individuals, such as competitive-cooperative relationship for
manufacturing enterprises, the relational network of
information integration leads to the change on TA mode.
New relationships are generated because of the supporting
mode in collaborative manufacturing systems. All those
relationships cannot be avoided when analyzing
manufacturing system integration and system‘s performance.
They can be described and controlled based on complex
network theory.
As stated before, task-oriented operation leads to the
development of virtual enterprises and the improvement on
supply chain management. However, there are few
companies or related researches taking CPS and SOA to
form the information integration system or using complex
network theory as the essential tools for description and
modelling process in the domain of collaborative
manufacturing. Although there exist remarkable benefits for
realizing information integration and conducting the
corresponding description and modelling process, the lack
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of unified arrangement, the barrier of manufacturing
resource gathering and infrastructure construction block the
implementation of large scale of integration. That all put
forward high requests for the daily practice of enterprises.
To meet the requirements and optimize allocating and
manufacturing pattern, more researches and productive
activities should focus on the information integration-driven
TA mode using CPS and SOA and the related problem
modelling method with complex network theory.
4.2 Task Decomposition Mechanism Considering
Manufacturing Service Models and Supply-demand
Matching Issues
Service-oriented and demand-driven manufacturing trend
promotes the emergence of collaborative manufacturing
pattern. Complex and compound tasks also take dominant
position in the production requirements of manufacturing
system. However, task‘s complexity makes it difficult for
single manufacturing resource or equipment to completely
accomplish a certain task as they did before. As a result, a
complex task should be decomposed into several sub-tasks,
and be performed in different manufacturing systems or
with different equipment. All that situations put new
requests on the formation and use of task decomposition
mechanism.
As for the existing task decomposition mechanism, most US
of operators adopt certain templates or use artificial methods
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for simple, primary task decomposition. Some of the
decomposition processes are even based on human
experience. Thus, the task decomposition mechanism owns
low intelligence. As mentioned before, establishing a task
decomposition mechanism considering manufacturing
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service model and supply-demand matching issue is of great
importance for realizing intelligent manufacturing and
manufacturing collaboration. As a result, forming such
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decomposition mechanism is quite necessary.
Related researches have already been conducted in
separate angles for TA considering manufacturing service
and supply-demand matching. For example, Zuo et al. (2014)
proposed a framework for resource allocation optimization
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with the consideration of multi-task and deadline constrains.
And Cheng et al. (2017) analyzed the supply-demand
matching problem for manufacturing service.
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However, there is still room for perfection and theory
integration. Researches are needed to analyze the whole
decomposition process and the following TA process with
the existing manufacturing service and supply-demand
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matching ideas.
4.3 Big Data Driven Task-oriented Decision-making for
TA with Deep Learning Technologies
The customized process of TA and the application of
information technology include large quantity of data from
tasks, manufacturers and customers. It has the
characteristics of big data, which not merely means large
volume, but also owns feathers like velocity, variety and
veracity. By managing, disposing, analyzing and optimizing
data, and providing feedback for manufacturing activities,
that is, adopting the data driven operation and management
mode, manufacturers can make great financial profits and
social benefits.
The application of big data and deep learning can greatly
facilitate the application of Cyber Physical Systems in
Industry 4.0 (Xu and Duan 2018), at the same time,
optimize ToP of decision-making in many different ways.
With large amount of data revealing allocating process and
system operation, the simulation can be more optimized and
more similar to real situations. The investigation of big data
can make manufacturers up-to-date on market dynamics,
and provide decision support for operation strategy. Also, it
can help enterprise react more quickly to customer‘s
demands and offer customized service. On the other hand,
task and system‘s universal characteristics can be better
grasped, big data and deep learning technology may do
some help to form a more widely-applied model for ToP of
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decision-making.
Data driven and deep learning technology are important
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signals of industry 4.0 and service-oriented manufacturing
systems. In recent years, manufacturing enterprises are
adopting a cloud-based architecture for the processing of
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multiple data. Cluster resource manager, such as Apache
Mesos, Google Omega, Apache YARN and IBM Platform
EGO, have appeared to provide uniformed services of
resource management (Abu-Dbai et al. 2016). Also, Abu-
Dbai et al. (2016) evaluated the function of Apache Mesos
and pointed out its default, viz., lack of policy and tenancy
capabilities. The market has provided more and more
platforms for disposing data. As a result, enterprises are
shifting from task-driven to data-driven. Big data and deep
learning are examined by researches to optimize the
enterprise operation patterns Cheng et al. (2018). Not only
in manufacturing industry, some internet companies also use
data driven operation pattern to analyze customer or user ‘s
behaviors, in order to provide them with individualized
information. These companies include Amazons, LinkedIn
and Facebook.
However, there lack researches on the application of big
data and deep learning on ToP of decision-making in
manufacturing industry.
4.4 Human-friendly and Eco-friendly Allocating
Patterns
Other than economic factors, more factors should be
considered for TA from modelling to simulation and
execution process. For example, human factors such as
skills, fatigue and health, and environmental factors. Those
two factors are related to social benefits, thus put forward a
higher request on the influence of manufacturing TA.
Human factor involves the subject of ergonomics. The
human-friendly allocating method includes adopting
intelligent equipment to replace human work for harmful
complicated tasks, and adjusting working procedures and
postures to an ergonomic design. Rearranging working time
distribution and personnel assignment are also approaches
to human-friendly manufacturing pattern. There are already
some researches on this topic to improve human working
conditions. During cylinder grasping task, Vignais and
Marin (2014) analyzed the musculoskeletal system of hand
and forearm to prevent the spread of musculoskeletal
disorders in the work environment. And Balasubramanian et
al. (2009) used sEMG and psychophysical analysis to
evaluate the efficacy of a dynamic standing posture over a
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stationary one, thus find its influence on the incidence of
musculoskeletal disorders. They also proposed an
ergonomic design of the dynamic posture which is benefit
for human health. Chung and Wang (2002) also considered
human factors and ergonomics problem in manufacturing
system. They presented the ergonomics interventions for
water-handling tasks in a specific case of the semiconductor
manufacturing company. Gooyers and Stevenson (2012)
analyzed the impact of an increase in work rate for Speed
Fastening task, and proposed using continuous feed tool to
reduce the bad influence on human health. It is quite clear
that human-friendly operating patterns will take their
positions in manufacturing industries, and in return,
attribute to more benefits.
Manufacturers also try to optimize internal structure and
combine producing with environmental benefits to win
customer‘s preference and make profit, thus extract the
concept of eco-friendly allocating pattern. Flow
manufacturing often relays on nature resources and makes
profit by reprocessing. That process often generates wastes,
thus put high pressure on environment. Researches have
been done to minimize the negative impact on environment,
at the same time achieving maximum economic profits.
Wissmann et al. (2012) took a cheese industry as an
example to analyze the environmental impact. They found
that environmental cost takes 5.59% of the total operating
cost with a suitable disposal of waste. On the other hand,
US print. 3D print can realize the manufacture of complicated
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regulations are widely established to create eco-friendly
manufacturing patterns. Choi et al. (2012) proposed an
energy-economic model and combined it with lifecycle
assessment in order to find out how energy policies
influence product system. Their method can guide
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manufacturers enhance the environmental and economic
performance under the constraint of various environment
regulations.
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Although numerous researches concerning human factor
or environment issue during manufacturing task execution
have been put forward, most of them just focus on one
single issue, so there lacks an integrated method to combine
and analyze various social benefits and financial profit
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together. Moreover, human-friendly or eco-friendly
manufacturing patterns are only examined on the stage of
execution. Researches should also cover the performing
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patterns on other stages of TA, such as resource
transportation or follow-up maintenance.
4.5 Human-machine/robot Collaboration based Task
Intelligent Execution
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The successive application of intelligent equipment, such
as industrial robot, can lead to the manufacturing task
intelligent execution and promote the level of execution
intelligence. Intelligent equipment has the advantage over
manual labor in most cases, like durability, reliability and to
some extent, efficiency. The function and reliability of
machines is continuously improving. Thus, it becomes a
trend to adopt intelligent equipment in assembly line or
other manufacturing systems to replace human work.
The Development Plan shows that China will set up a
complete intelligent equipment industrial system in 2020.
They predicted a 25% annual increase rate in the following
5 to 10 years. As an important domain for intelligent
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manufacturing and a positive factor for manufacturing
performance, the trends of automatic equipment and service
application market will definitely show broad perspectives.
However, intelligent equipment cannot completely
replace human work like decision-making, and the
intelligence of task execution usually depends on the level
of human-machine collaboration or interaction during that
process. As a result, issues like human-machine
collaboration should also be covered for TA modelling and
decision-making.
On the other hand, the transportation of tasks and
equipment put new demands on device-independent
mobility on task level. The interaction between devices
needs a powerful network infrastructure and a standard task
T
and device description. The period for technology updates
with no requirement on control software reprogramming
IP
should also be shorter (Zuehlke 2010). All those feathers
provide new study fields on device-independent mobility.
That also increases the complexity and difficulty of human-
CR
machine collaboration based task execution.
Except industrial robot, there are other techniques which
can also emancipate human productive force and improve
manufacturing quality in the execution stage, such as 3D
3D components by using digital model and computer
control, but lacks of speed and authenticity. The interaction
and collaboration between different newly-proposed
technologies and theories should also be considered.
What‘s more, industrial robot can alleviate the labor
shortages in manufacturing enterprises, but there still remain
improvements on the application scale and the completeness
of industry systems, so there still need more efforts on
collaboration problem.
There are some attempts using newly-proposed
technologies on Industry 4.0, to make the manufacturing
process and industry environment more efficient and
competitive, but have not showed expected outcomes (Xu et
al. 2018). Not only in Industry 4.0, but also its important
component, the TA process, challenges and issues are still
waiting to be resolved.
5. Conclusions
In this review paper, we involve 84 existing researches
concerning the topic of TA and analyze the allocating
workflow from task description and modelling to task
execution. We attempt to find out current research focus and
existing improvements during the analysis. Researches are
conducted to integrate different modelling approaches or
propose hybrid algorithms for according to various focus in
diverse TA situation. In addition, we innovatively give the
separate summary of the decision-making process by
dividing it into system-oriented and task-oriented one. Task-
oriented decision-making is attracting more researches‘
attention due to its customized feather.
Furthermore, we also point out some future directions for
intelligent TA development. All the improvements are based
on new manufacturing technologies, of which some
advanced ICT technologies or significant theories take their
dominance, such as CPS, SOA, big data, deep learning,
manufacturing service theory, complex networks theory, etc.
New modelling or decision-making methods, and effective
12
 ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
mechanisms would be proposed based on those new
technologies. The transformation of thinking mode is also
taking place, thus as the emphasis on environment and
human health, and human-robot collaboration. Future
research directions on TA problem are much more focused
on product‘s whole lifecycle to achieve the final goals of
both high-quality and high profit, at the same time creating
more social benefits.
Acknowledgements
This work is financially supported in part by National Natural Science
Foundation of China (NSFC) under Grant 51522501, National Key
Research and Development Program of China (No.2016YFB1101700), and
Beijing Nova Program (Z161100004916063) in China.
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