Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1993. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 101-113). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 113-119). Also available in electronic version.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2005.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2005. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (December 19, 2006) Includes bibliographical references.

M.Sc. (Computer Science) / This study comprises an investigation into and a discussion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques and methods which are suitable for the implementation of a computerised intelligent autonomous manufacturing environment. To this end neural networks, fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms and Petri nets are discussed. The purpose is to define a broad framework for the implementation and integration of intelligence in the Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) environment. A number of examples have been used throughout the study in order to illustrate the relevant function or concept. Currently there is a lack of an integrated structured developmental approach towards the implementation of AI techniques in the CIM industry. In this dissertation we examine the relevant topics in some detail before progressing to the development of the Real-time Artificial Intelligence Agent Model (RAIAM) framework. The RAIAM framework establishes an environment suitable for the insertion and application of AI techniques and methods into a computerised CIM system structure. This is accomplished by the establishment of a centralised database and message handling unit, and by the usage of intelligent modular agents. An expert database system (EDS) based on a centralised blackboard design is used as the structural basis for RAIAM. Although it makes use of this centralised database system, it is a largely modular approach as it makes use of agents to communicate and process information and actions.

The continued assimilation of advanced computing and information technologies in the workplace in the midst of rapidly changing socioeconomic conditions has led many corporations to transform their corporate culture and structure. These profound changes are implicating corporate functions such as planning, design, manufacturing, and marketing. A significant form of corporate re-structuring has been in the computer and information technology mediated integration of these functions which is sometimes labeled Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). Fundamental questions are provoked regarding the reshaping of these emerging modes and relations of production. Do these developments represent a departure from traditional Taylorist or Fordist workplace operations and organization? Are these emerging modes of work which generally are interwoven with Japanese inspired quality improvement programs and associated manufacturing methods producing a more human-centered workplace? Do these shifts in corporate re-structuring support the possible unfolding of forms of human-centered workplace democracy? To critically inquire and address the above questions, a case study was conducted involving a large manufacturing firm which has been undergoing a radical re-structuring of all its corporate operations. The case study method involves an analysis of the internal discourse(s) and practice(s) of an emerging manufacturing facility called the Factory of the Future (FOF) in the context of a changing corporate culture mediated by computer and information technologies and changing organizational practices. Many sources of information were appropriated to construct a collage of textual material in order to present FOF's unique genealogy and to provide a detailed description of the emerging phenomenon of CIM. Among these were internal documents, videos, and interviews conducted with factory and office workers. Based on a critical interpretation of the case study findings a number of provisional conclusions were reached and may be summarized as follows: • Certain neo-Taylorist and neo-Fordist modes of production are emerging both in the factory and office as the transformation of the corporation proceeds toward a CIM mode of operation. • More human-centered organizational practices have marked the changing corporate culture although they are at times subject to conflicts and contradictions. • Managerial power has grown in the midst of computer and information mediated systems, even though worker participation and involvement in work related decisions has also been enhanced. / Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies / Graduate

Master of Science

Just-in-time refers to the movement of material at the necessary place at the necessary time. The implication is that each operation is closely synchronized with the subsequent ones to make that possible. A method of just-in-time production which uses standard containers with a single card attached to each. It is a pull system in which work centers signal with a card that they wish to withdraw parts from feeding operations or vendors. Kanban, in Japanese, loosely translated means, “card”, literally “billboard” or “sign”. The term is often used synonymously for the specific scheduling developed and used by Toyota Corporation in Japan.

No / A Reconfigurable Manufacturing System (RMS) is a new paradigm that focuses on manufacturing a high variety of products at the same system. Having specified a design strategy for an RMS as the first design step at the tactical level, products must be grouped to identify and allocate corresponding manufacturing facilities. An interface between market and manufacturing called reconfiguration link is presented to specify and arrange products for manufacturing. The reconfiguration link incorporates the tasks of determining the products in the production range, grouping them into families and selecting the appropriate family at each configuration stage. The proposed approach of (re)configuring products before manufacturing facilitates assigning product families to the required manufacturing facilities in terms of (re)configuring manufacturing systems. This paper contributes an overall approach of grouping products into families based on operational similarities, when machines are still not identified. Since the problem of product family selection consists of quantitative and qualitative objectives, the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) is then used while considering both market and manufacturing requirements. The AHP model is verified in an industrial case study through using Expert Choice software. The solutions take advantage of monitoring sensitivity analysis while changing the priorities of manufacturing and/or market criteria. The concept of the proposed model is generic in structure and applicable to many firms. However, the model must be adapted according to the specific nature of the company under study. For instance, product family choices may differ from one company to another because of the available technology and the volume and type of existing products in the production range.

A project report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering. University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in Partial fulfilment of the requirements for the. degree of Master of Science in Engineering, Johannesburg. 1991 / In order to analyse and optimize the design and Operation of Advanced Manufacturing Systems (AMS) various simulation techniques are currently in use. However, these methods are' generally inflexible and are used off-line in this project report, a modular, modelling approach is adopted to investigate the requirements of shop floor device models which operate in real-time. The models when connected together, simulate the Operation of the AMS. A suitable technique for the development of these models is proposed. A simulation architecture to support the models is discussed. It is intended that the models are connected on-line to the AMS control system via a local Area Network (LAN). [Advantages and - applications of this approach to AMS simulation are discussed. / MT2017