A Multi-Agent Platform Design for Knowledge-Based Manufacturing Planning Integrated with Design

Published

August 1, 2002

Author(s)

Shaw C. Feng, Yuyin Song

Abstract

Intelligent agents can enable the integration of preliminary design with manufacturing planning software systems. These agents execute in a computer-based collaborative environment called multi-agent platform. A prototype agent platform supporting the integration of preliminary design and manufacturing planning has been developed at NIST. These agents have access to a knowledge base that is implemented by rules, generated by mapping design information to process and resource selections. The rules are derived from an analysis of design factors that influence process and resource planning, such as product material, form, shape complexity, features, dimension, tolerance, surface condition, and production volume. Process planning agent provide process planners with information regarding selecting preliminary manufacturing processes, determining manufacturing resources, and constructing feedback information to product designers. The agent platform enables the information exchange among agents, based on the integrated object model. The main purposes of developing such a platform are to support product preliminary design, optimize product form and structure, and reduce the manufacturing cost in the early design process.

Proceedings Title

Proceedings of Computer-Supported Cooperative Work in Design

Conference Dates

September 25-27, 2002

Conference Location

Rio de Janeiro, BR

Conference Title

Computer-Supported Cooperative Work in Design

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

collaborative design, multi-agent systems, process planning, systems integration

Citation

Feng, S. and Song, Y. (2002), A Multi-Agent Platform Design for Knowledge-Based Manufacturing Planning Integrated with Design, Proceedings of Computer-Supported Cooperative Work in Design, Rio de Janeiro, BR (Accessed May 15, 2026)

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