Design and Algorithmic Implementation of a Part Loading Regulator for a Manufacturing Cell

Abstract

The focus of this paper is to present a control methodology for the regulation of loading and processing of parts in a manufacturing cell in the presence of minor disturbances. The control methodology addresses three states in the planning horizon of a manufacturing cell: steady state, transient state, and a match-up state when the system is transitioning from transient to steady state operation. The part loading regulation of the cell is accomplished via optimization of appropriate cost functions associated with each state. The proposed control architecture for the cell part regulator utilizes these cost functions to enforce the desired regulatory properties. Theoretical developments and detailed examples can be found in Saleh et al., 1990; Saleh, 1988.