Multi-agent team for engineering: a machining plan in intelligent manufacturing systems

Abstract

Copyright © 2017 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. This paper explores the modelling of technical expertise in metal-cutting processes in a form suitable for the development of computer-aided process planning (CAPP) in intelligent manufacturing systems using agent-oriented software technologies. Focusing on the selection of tools and cutting parameters in the design of machining operations, the ontology for the knowledge domain was first introduced, and then in that context identify and analyse some of the challenges that CAPP presents to the multi-agent system architect. In particular, interactions between operation design and setup design was investigated, issues arising from global impacts of local decisions in plan construction were examine, and differences between software agents and humans in comparable planning roles were discuss. The analysis leads to several multi-agent design patterns that help capture domain-specific know-how and integrate it into efficient team behaviour. A pattern is illustrated with a concrete scenario.