Concept and implementation of an agent-based control architecture for a cyber-physical assembly system

Abstract

Abstract. Today's production companies are challenged with: the assembly of different product variants with lot size of one on a single assembly line and the increase of product variants. The implementation of reconfigurable assembly systems with a modular design is a solution, which allows a flexible adaptation to different product variants. However, handling different assembly modules via specific communication protocols is limited by the current centralized control concepts. Therefore, this paper presents a concept for an agent-based control architecture. This concept uses coherent information starting from the planning process of the assembly system until the system is put into operation allowing a decentralized control. The decentralized agents in each station act as mediators between the modules and the assembly memory database enabling the product autonomous control throughout the assembly system. Moreover, the agent manages the data transfer for the modules with different specific syntaxes via respective communication protocols since a standardized communication protocol does not exist in industry. The concept is verified in a test assembly line for the production of small electronic components.

From a literature review to a conceptual framework of enablers for smart manufacturing control

“…An agent may be keyword frequency (number of nominations in the identified works) Fig. 1 Keyword frequency defined as a system that is situated in an environment that is capable of exerting autonomous actions in such an environment in order to meet its design objectives [27]. CPS share the following characteristics with agents in a MAS [26]: (i) they are self-aware and ambient-aware, (ii) they react timely to ambient variations, (iii) they exhibit goaloriented behaviour, and (iv) they interact with their peers.…”