A QoS-aware Dynamic Transfer Order Optimisation Methodology for Automated Material-Handlilng Systems

Abstract

This paper considers the problem of material transfer optimisation within an automated material handling facility, whereby unit-cargoes of materials need to be transferred across a number of physically linked and often heterogeneous automated material-handling systems. It then proposes an optimisation methodology that adopts of quality of service (QoS) approach, to ensure that the material transfer satisfies a variety of user-defined service-oriented global goals. An adaptation based on an industrial application is also discussed. 0-7803-7777-X/03/$17.00 t 2003 IEEE