A complexity theory approach to evolvable production systems

Frei, Regina, Barata, Jose and Di Marzo Serugendo, Giovanna (2007) A complexity theory approach to evolvable production systems. Sapaty, P. and Filipe, J. (eds.) In Proceedings of the 3rd International Workshop on Multi-Agent Robotic Systems - MARS 2007; In Conjunction with ICINCO 2007. INSTICC. pp. 44-53 .

Record type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)

Abstract

Evolvable Production Systems differ from Reconfigurable and Holonic Manufacturing Systems by implying ontology-based process-specific modularity at fine granularity with local intelligence and a distributed control solution based on the Multi-Agent paradigm. Understanding the dynamics of such complex production systems is not feasible with traditional engineering. For creating the manufacturing systems of the future, engineers need to dare a leap in their ways of thinking. Complexity Theory and Artificial Intelligence can be a valuable source of inspiration for manufacturing engineers. This article illustrates how ideas from these scientific areas fit the problems and open questions of manufacturing. Some concepts, as Self-Organization and Emergence, need adaptation to be applicable in production systems; others simply require the right perspective. Finally, a vision of future EPS is outlined.

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