Michiko Matsuda and Fumihiko Kimura

Abstract:
This paper proposes a construction method for the digital eco-factory to support promotion and implementation of green production. The digital eco-factory is configured on the digital factory. The digital factory is constructed by applying multi agent technology. In the digital factory, all factory elements such as machine tools and assembly machines are configured as software agents. The digital factory mirrors the structure of the actual factory. The shop floor is modeled as a virtual shop floor by machine agents. In addition to machine agents, machined workpieces and assembled parts are also configured as software agents. The workpiece agent selects machines to complete itself as a part. The part agent also leads the assembly processes for making the complete product. The operator can set up the initial shop floor configuration through the user interface. The operator also controls the production scenario by means of inputting a production order with candidate production plans. When constructing the digital eco-factory using this digital factory, the calculation function for indices of environmental burdens such as CO₂ and energy consumption are installed in each machine agent. The workpiece/part agent monitors them. The proposed configuration is applied to the printed board production line for verification of the proposal.

Keywords: virtual factory, green production scenario, multi agent system, machine modeling, manufacturing simulation