gym-flp: A Python Package for Training Reinforcement Learning Algorithms on Facility Layout Problems

Abstract

Reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms have proven to be useful tools for combinatorial optimisation. However, they are still underutilised in facility layout problems (FLPs). At the same time, RL research relies on standardised benchmarks such as the Arcade Learning Environment. To address these issues, we present an open-source Python package (gym-flp) that utilises the OpenAI Gym toolkit, specifically designed for developing and comparing RL algorithms. The package offers one discrete and three continuous problem representation environments with customisable state and action spaces. In addition, the package provides 138 discrete and 61 continuous problems commonly used in FLP literature and supports submitting custom problem sets. The user can choose between numerical and visual output of observations, depending on the RL approach being used. The package aims to facilitate experimentation with different algorithms in a reproducible manner and advance RL use in factory planning.