A production order-driven AGV control model with object-oriented implementation

To effectively manage the material handling in Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS), where a large amount of data is required in the dynamic decision-making, integrated control is needed to consider the overall production schedule. The focus of this research is on the development of an integrated Automated Guided Vehicle System (AGVS) control model that includes essential features like dynamic vehicle path determination and conflict-free routing. An object-oriented implementation of the AGVS model is proposed that forms the basis of systems integration with a production planning module such as MRP. Static and dynamic informational and functional models of the AGVS are developed. The system incorporates: (i) conflict-free shortest path routing procedures, and (ii) vehicle assignment rules or scheduling strategies. A prototype version of each of these has been developed for demonstrative purposes. This object-oriented modelling methodology provides the capability of rapid development and change. The approach has been demonstrated for a real manufactured product through simulation studies which confirm the superior performance of anticipatory AGVS control rules, even in a production order-driven environment.