Holonic Manufacturing Systems: Concepts and Control Requirements
Holonic manufacturing systems have recently been investigated as a possible
solution to some of the problems experienced with existing CIM (Computer
Integrated Manufacturing) architectures. A holonic manufacturing system
comprises functional units of manufacturing called holons - units which display
the dual properties of autonomy and cooperativeness. It is proposed that a
manufacturing process constructed from these units will exhibit
many desirable properties including flexibility of production, easy
reconfigurability and relatively high tolerance to process faults and
variations.
This talk will examine some of the shortfalls of CIM architectures and
introduce holonic manufacturing systems and briefly outline the findings of a
one year international feasibility study to establish the requirements for such
systems. An illustrative example of a cooling system design for a steel rod
rolling mill will be given. Finally, requirements on feedback control
within holonic manufacturing systems will be examined.
Dr. D.C. McFarlane
University of Westminster