WoKou Robotics

Description

WoKou Robotics is a global artificial intelligence company that manufactures two of its most popular robots in the same plant. Manufacturing is divided into several processes: robotic design, 3D printing and wiring. The case provides a natural scenario to introduce linear optimization techniques. The last part of the case is designed to encourage discussion of optimization in the presence of uncertainty (simulation methods) using the simulation optimization engine OptQuest.

Learning Objective

In part A, a decision has to be made regarding the optimal production level for 2019. In part B, a decision has to be made in 2019 regarding the introduction of a new robot in 2020, with demand always exceeding the company's production capacity. In part C, the decision to be made is the same as the decision in part B but now with uncertainty regarding the demand for the robots. Depending on the students, the teacher can spend more time discussing the technical aspects of the production process or go directly to teaching how to apply optimization techniques. The normal schedule is to discuss parts A and B in one class, and part C in another class.

Keywords

Calculating Optimal Product Mix.