Flexible, self-configuring control system for a modular production system

This paper presents a control concept of a modular manufacturing system (MPS). Having exchangeable process modules, the system can produce a wide range of products. For process modules a new concept for a Configuration and Information Memory (CIMory) is proposed. The CIMory provides a description of the module and its capabilities. Based on this information the control system, as well as the guidance system configures itself. The control follows a holistic approach with a hybrid structure to support both, modules with internal intelligence or with a simple command executing I/O unit. A Workflow Manager (WFM) organizes the production processes and the data exchange between all modules and the human-machine interface (HMI). (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd.