The knowledge-based factory

Abstract This paper argues that certain techniques from Artificial Intelligence research offer the potential to support a new generation of intelligent manufacturing systems. Following a brief analysis of the knowledge needs for manufacturing and the role of different styles of organisation, we propose a series of principles for a Knowledge-Based Factory. This extends the concept of integration to a knowledge-based philosophy where a series of common models provides the linkage in a distributed, incremental software environment that acts as a powerful tool to support manufacturing at all levels. A key feature is the commercial viability of the enterprise while also acting as a research test-bed for progress towards fully integrated, intelligent factories. The ideas are illustrated by some small case studies. This is a personal view and suggests how we could work towards systems that possess a much more complete understanding of the products they are manufacturing.