Control of AGVs in decentralized autonomous FMS based on a mind model

Abstract

This paper describes a system that can efficiently control the motion of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in decentralized autonomous flexible manufacturing systems (DA-FMS). In particular, a mind model called the minimum unit of the mind (MUM) is proposed. Because of the change of mind characteristic of MUM, the AGVs can efficiently avoid route interferences even when many AGVs are operating in DA-FMS. The components of MUM are two stimulation cells, a box, and an arrow. Using application simulations, it is ascertained that MUM is effective for avoiding AGV route interferences. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.