Methods for Assembly line balancing and worker allocation problem: an Overview

Alberto A. Bumba; Bruno S. F. Gonçalves; Rui M. Lima

doi:10.30657/pea.2026.32.16

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Methods for Assembly line balancing and worker allocation problem: an Overview

Production Engineering Archives

Volume 32 (2026): Issue 2 (June 2026)

By: Alberto A. Bumba , Bruno S. F. Gonçalves and Rui M. Lima

Open Access

|May 2026

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive tertiary-level review of solution methods for Assembly Line Balancing Problems (ALBP) and Worker Allocation Problems (WAP), synthesizing insights from 25 literature reviews published between 2006 and 2024. Unlike prior reviews, this study critically evaluates methodological trends, practical relevance, and the alignment between academic proposals and industrial implementation. Metaheuristic approaches, especially Genetic Algorithms, dominate literature, yet their adoption in real-world settings remains limited. The review also highlights the emergence of hybrid and AI-enhanced strategies, the growing attention to explainability and adaptability, and the methodological shortcomings of existing reviews regarding transparency and contextual analysis. This work contributes a structured taxonomy of methods, assesses their suitability across problem dimensions, and identifies future directions emphasizing industry integration, real-time responsiveness, and robust evaluation frameworks.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30657/pea.2026.32.16 | Journal eISSN: 2353-7779 | Journal ISSN: 2353-5156

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Language: English

Page range: 185 - 197

Submitted on: Jan 6, 2026

Accepted on: Mar 9, 2026

Published on: May 8, 2026

Published by: Quality and Production Managers Association

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 4 issues per year

Keywords:

Assembly Line Balancing,

Worker Allocation,

Metaheuristics,

Industrial Implementation,

AI-based Optimization

Related subjects:

Business and economics,

Business management,

Business management, other,

Engineering,

Mechanical engineering,

Production technology,

Process engineering and industrial engineering,

Materials sciences,

Materials sciences, other

© 2026 Alberto A. Bumba, Bruno S. F. Gonçalves, Rui M. Lima, published by Quality and Production Managers Association
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 32 (2026): Issue 2 (June 2026)