Resource Reconfiguration Decisions for Distributed Shop Floor Control

Past applications of artificial intelligence techniques to shop floor control tasks arc reviewed. In the area of resource allocation in distributed manufacturing D’stems, the issue of resource reconfiguration is identified as a neglected problem. A game theoretic planning model suitable for use in a distributed shop floor control environment is introduced. Autonomous machine controllers consult the planning model to e~tluate reconfiguration decisions as the controlled machine resource becomes idle. The results of the evaluation, an equilibrium play of the setup game describing the reconflguration decision, dictate any resource rcconfiguratious undertaken by the machine controller.