Active product driven control of dynamic routing in FMS

Abstract

This paper deals with the concept of active product and its application to the control of flexible manufacturing systems. After presenting our major assumptions, we introduce the key element of decisional entities and its application to the definition of the notions of active product and active resource. The proposed control structure is then presented. Dynamic allocation algorithms for such active products and/or resources are shortly presented, and a highly distributed stigmergic approach to routing control is then detailed. The routing control model is based upon a functional architecture with two levels: a virtual level in which virtual active products evolve stochastically in accelerated time, and a physical level in which physical active products, with embedded decisional capabilities, evolve deterministically in real time. We illustrate the model's adaptive capabilities through several simulation scenarii using NetLogo software, and present an ongoing real implementation (where intelligence is embedded within each product) taking place at the AIP-PRIMECA Center in Valenciennes, France