A multi-leve/multi-layer architecture for intelligent shopfloor control

In this paper, we address the problem of designing an organizational structure to manage production activities in the factories of tomorrow. Those factories will have computers and other automated machinery performing many of the functions currently done by humans. We propose a multiplayer/multi-level control architecture to manage shopfloor activities, Each module in that architecture performs three functions: adaptation, optimization, and regulation. We describe these functions and discuss integration and future research issues.