Inference engine for material handling selection

Abstract In this paper we describe the inference engine of an expert system for material handling method and equipment selection. The system branches through a tree guided by collected data essential for solving the material handling equation: Material + Move → Method. The equation is solved using rules developed to handle relationships between elements and factors of the equation. While the engine in its current status is limited to a “ first cut” in the equipment selection process, it is of value to nonspecialist industrialist. Plans are for the final system to provide its user with access to vendors specialized in particular handing operations.