This research focuses on reducing time and cost taken to convert a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) design into an operational system. Software for FMS control has been often identified as the main contributing factor to lack of flexibility, and high cost of implementation. Specific topics to be addressed during the first year include; understanding the implications of the control architecture on the elements of control (planning, scheduling and control), development of a systems theoretic model of FMS control, and identifying generic and specific elements in the system models. The objectives of the research are to develop a generic, product independent methodology and tools for the design and development of FMS control software. The methodology should provide for the rapid prototyping, evaluation, and subsequent implementation in a computer-integrated manufacturing system.
