software agents

In the future, objects with embedded intelligence will be able to coordinate and steer the production sequence in a self-organizing production environment. Instead of existing central planning and control the new product-controlled manufacturing uses a multi-agent system with the possibilities of auctions and negotiation. The project “Self-organizing Production  SOPRO” implements autonomous micro systems and software agents to provide embedded intelligence on objects in production field.

The design and implementation of knowledge-based control systems is always a major challenge, especially if a maximum realistic approach is pursued. Especially, adequately handling large scale, real world problems, often confronts the concerned project members with insolvable tasks. This article outlines the mutual basis of knowledge management and knowledge engineering plus the challenges en route to acquisition. Solutions to formalise needed knowledge are proposed against the backdrop of a currently running research project in the field of supply chain management with multi-agent systems.