An autonomous objects architecture for developing flexible industrial automation and manufacturing systems

This paper presents an object-oriented approach to the development of real-time computer-based systems (i.e. hardware and software) that are embedded in devices used in intelligent industrial automation systems, such as those required for agile manufacturing and multi-agent systems. The approach covers all development phases, from requirements engineering, through hardware and software (co)design, until implementation. The paper discusses strategies and metrics for identifying and structuring software and hardware components of industrial automation applications using real-time autonomous objects. Such structuring approach allows a representation of the application domain at a very high level of abstraction. It also allows a very flexible structure for implementing adaptive automation strategies, such as those required in intelligent manufacturing systems. The whole system is considered as a set of communicating autonomous objects, where each object has local processing and decision making capabilities. The proposed approach is explained using a case study of a Wine Bottling Production Line Automation. Copyright (C) 1998 IFAC.