Multi-agent Architecture for Reconfiguration of Precision Modular Assembly Systems

Precision assembly systems today are subject to high levels of change which require fast physical and logical adaption. As such, new methods and tools need to reflect this need providing adaptive systems that can react to market changes in a timely and cost effective manner. Towards achieving increased responsiveness several developments of new modular concepts provided the bases for higher system adaptability through increased module interchangeability and reusability. The modularization of physical and control infrastructure only solves one aspect of the issue, there is still a lack of appropriate tools and methods to support requirements driven reconfiguration of such systems. This paper proposes an agent architecture for reconfiguration of equipment modules driven by a set of requirements. A new agent model is proposed which addresses the specific needs of precision modular assembly systems catering both for physical and logical constraints of the modules as well as their joint emergent behaviour.

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