Multi-criteria choice of alternatives in an expert system for computer-aided design of industrial robot installations

The fuzzy set and possibility theory approach is used to evaluate multi-criteria alternatives while planning the layout of a robot system considered to be a decomposable one. The case of causally dependent criteria is examined. In the framework of information granules the weighted choice of satisfactory alternatives incorporating their constructivity is applied. The interactive graphic expert system Epopee is run on a minicomputer and supplies the designer with a variety of opportunities for formulating and solving multi-criteria choice problems with use of cardinal and/or ordinal information. An application of the system to the synthesis of a robot complex for the automation of stamping operations is presented.