Computer control of flexible manufacturing systems, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1994 Research and development

With the approach of the 21st century, and the current trends in manufacturing, the role of computer-controlled flexible manufacturing an integral part in the success of manufacturing enterprises. will take Manufacturing environments are changing to small batch (with batch sizes diminishing to a quantity of one), larger product variety, produc­ tion on demand with low lead times, with the ability to be 'agile.' This is in stark contrast to conventional manufacturing which has relied on economies of scale, and where change is viewed as a disruption and is therefore detrimental to production. Computer integrated manufac­ turing (CIM) and flexible manufacturing practices are a key component in the transition from conventional manufacturing to the 'new' manu­ facturing environment. While the use of computers in manufacturing, from controlling indi­ vidual machines (NC, Robots, AGVs etc.) to controlling flexible manu­ facturing systems (FMS) has advanced the flexibility of manufacturing environments, it is still far from reaching its full potential in the environment of the future. Great strides have been made in individual technologies and control of FMS has been the subject of considerable research, but computerized shop floor control is not nearly as flexible or integrated as hyped in industrial and academic literature. In fact, the integrated systems have lagged far behind what could be achieved with existing technology.

Introduction. CIM architectures and implementation of control systems for FMS. Hierarchical control architectures from shop level to end effectors. Approaches to on-line scheduling and control in FMS. Autonomous control for open manufacturing systems. Applications of petri-net methodology to manufacturing systems. Recent developments in modelling and performance analysis tools for FMS. Qualitative modelling of manufacturing systems. Efficient and dependable manufacturing - a software perspective. Formal models in shop floor control. Integration of cutting tool management with shop floor control in FMS. Process planning and process plan representation for control. Object-oriented cell control and error handling. Management systems for computer controlled FMS - lessons from network management. Predictive control algorithms for on-line scheduling of FMS. Control of FMS.

Computer-integrated manufacturing and flexible manufacturing practices are key components in the transition from conventional manufacturing to the new 'agile' manufacturing environment. However control systems of FMS lack the required flexibility. This text provides an overview of the current research and development trends in control of FMS.