Title: Multi-agent team for engineering: a machining plan in intelligent manufacturing systems

Authors: Mirko Djapic; Ljubomir Lukic; Cristiano Fragassa; Ana Pavlovic; Aleksandra Petrovic

Addresses: Faculty of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Dositeleva 19, 36000 Kraljevo, Serbia ' Faculty of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Dositeleva 19, 36000 Kraljevo, Serbia ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorium University of Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 2, 40133 Bologna, Italy ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorium University of Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 2, 40133 Bologna, Italy ' Faculty of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Dositeleva 19, 36000 Kraljevo, Serbia

Abstract: This paper explores the modelling of technical expertise in metal-cutting processes in a form suitable for the development of computer-aided process planning (CAPP) in intelligent manufacturing systems using agent-oriented software technologies. Focusing on the selection of tools and cutting parameters in the design of machining operations, the ontology for the knowledge domain was first introduced, and then in that context identify and analyse some of the challenges that CAPP presents to the multi-agent system architect. In particular, interactions between operation design and setup design was investigated, issues arising from global impacts of local decisions in plan construction were examine, and differences between software agents and humans in comparable planning roles were discuss. The analysis leads to several multi-agent design patterns that help capture domain-specific know-how and integrate it into efficient team behaviour. A pattern is illustrated with a concrete scenario.

Keywords: multi-agent systems; CAPP systems; CNC systems; technology design; cutting processes.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMM.2017.088893

International Journal of Machining and Machinability of Materials, 2017 Vol.19 No.6, pp.505 - 521

Received: 29 Jun 2016
Accepted: 31 Jul 2016

Published online: 02 Jan 2018 *

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