Web-based distributed manufacturing control systems

Abstract

With the evolution of the application of web technology, agent-based manufacturing systems can be both easily implemented and become a potential approach for modern manufacturing enterprises. In this paper, we present problems and models required for the development of web-based distributed manufacturing control systems. The specific objectives are: (1) to propose an appropriate architecture for a web-based distributed manufacturing control system, (2) to define the specification of a web-based cell controller, (3) to design the co-operative mechanisms, contract net protocol, for better system performance, (4) to upgrade the communication capability of existing CNC machines from RS232C to TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) based on Ethernet.To demonstrate the proposed development, prototype software based on ASP and VB programming was designed and implemented. As a result, not only is a great amount of time saved in the development of web-based manufacturing control software, but this development can also enhance the competitive capability of companies trying to operate on a flexible basis.

Developing Web-based Digital Twin of Assembly Lines for Industrial Cyber-physical Systems

“…The movement to create web-based collaborative systems in manufacturing started following the introduction of the Web that took place in 1993 [4]. Tsai and Lin [5] introduced the architecture of a web-based distributed manufacturing control system (MCS) along with proposed mechanisms for improving the system's performance. Chung and Peng [6] proposed and implemented a web-based tools and machine selection system (WTMSS) based on the belief that the use of such systems in web-based environments can reduce costs.…”

“…A web application is defined as "any software application that depends on the World Wide Web for its correct execution" [5]. In their work published 2004, Wang et al [4] stated that the manufacturing systems available at that time are mainly for monitoring and off-line simulation.…”

“…Another aim is to enable communication between the web browser virtual model and the Inputs-Outputs (IO) of a PLC. To achieve this, the OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) 5 client-server platform was chosen. This platform has a significant number of PLC drivers, however, it can not directly communicate with a WebGL model.…”