Knowledge Based Control of Manufacturing Systems Using Open Communication

Abstract A rather simplified definition of Intelligent Control of Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) means a continuous or frequent observation and evaluation of the status and condition of the system performance, decision making based on the evaluation results and on pre-defined knowledge, and then the operation according to the decisions. In the case of so-called normal operation, which runs according to the given schedules there is no special need for intelligence, neither for interactions to modify the operation, but the above given procedure may help (Smith, et al.,1992) if any kind of disturbance or irregularity happens, what is rather common in the case of highly sophisticated, complex systems. Our paper deals with the control of flexible manufacturing systems using programs based on a Real-time expert system environment taking into consideration the requirements of openness of up-to-date systems.