Knowledge-based programming tools for robotised manufacturing facilities

Abstract

Advances in factory automation require substantial modifications of the specification and exploitation of the reference justification knowledge. Specialised functional models have to be developed: for characterising the dynamics of the robotic equipment, for monitoring the working situations, and for integrating the operational abilities required by task complexity. This functional specification is conveniently obtained with knowledge-based structures to maintain a clear-cut distinction between the structural attributes and the procedural properties of the manufacturing facilities. The approach is reviewed in this paper with reference to sets of knowledge-based programming tools, developed by the Industrial Robot Design Research Group of the University of Genova. In the paper, the objectives of computer-integrated manufacturing are referred to the research programme of the group in the areas of CAD, CAT and CAM tools.