Modelling cooperative control in process automation with multi-agent systems

An approach to modeling cooperative control systems and their operation in process automation is presented in this paper. In this approach agent-oriented software engineering techniques are used thoughout the design of cooperative control systems both as modeling method and as implementation technology. A part of a process automation system is modeled as a multi-agent society, which adhere to goal-oriented behavior both in their internal and cooperative operations. Another idea in the approach is to use qualitative process modeling in planning of control operations. The approach outlines a generic process automation agent system, which can be applied to building cooperative control applications. Sequential and supervisory control are presented as example applications. The approach is illustrated with examples from a prototype control system build for a laboratory test process.