Agent-based Control for Material Handling Systems in In-House Logistics – Towards Cyber-Physical Systems in In-House-Logistics Utilizing Real Size Evaluation of Agent-based Material Handling Technology

Abstract:
Automation and material handling technologies for in-house logistics tasks are widely applied. Generally, modules of the automation systems are planned, programmed, and commissioned according to specific requirements. Constantly changing conditions and flexible demands of production processes pose new challenges for the dynamic composition of various system components. Cyber-physical systems (CSP) propose an approach for storing and processing additional data of a physical system in a virtual representation. The paper illustrates an agent-based architecture for dynamic and modular control of single material handling equipment within a logistics system. Specifically, the paper addresses the issue of modeling and operating physical interfaces based on multi-agent communication and points out the benefits of this approach. The evaluation of the approach is done by implementing it into real industrial material handling equipment and gives a valuable insight into the prospects and challenges of cyber-physical concepts. Keywords — multi-agent systems; cyber-physical systems; automation technology; material handling technology; in-house logistics