Abstract
Earlier chapters described the techniques and tools available for the creation of flexible manufacturing cells and systems. A flexible manufacturing system is a collection of machines (CNC machine tools) and related processing equipment linked by automated material handling systems (robots, AGVs, conveyors etc.), typically under some form of computer control. This chapter focuses on the control aspect of such systems. At this stage it is assumed that the FMS design is completely specified, i.e. the family of parts to be produced has been determined, the machines and equipment required have been specified, tooling and fixturing requirements have been established and the layout is complete. The problem now in hand is to develop a control system that will take manufacturing plans and objectives and convert them into executable instructions for the various computers that will be used to control the system. The execution of the instructions at the various computers, and ultimately at the machines and equipment, results in the operation of the system and the production of goods.
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