Role-based manufacturing systems: A concept towards intelligent and adaptive automation in manufacturing

The advancement of technologies related to smart manufacturing has brought new potentials to manufacturing systems (MS). In particular, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in MS facilitates their self-organization and self-optimization capabilities. However, companies are facing an increasing skills shortage, consequently relying on AI to solve this issue. Therefore, this paper introduces the concept of role-based MS (RBMS) capable of performing key tasks in manufacturing companies. Concepts for three roles in RBMS are presented, as well as possible realization approaches with an emphasis on the required technologies. An exemplary multi-agent reinforcement learning based energy management use cases illustrates the interplay between the three roles. Future research needs focus on evaluating the results of RBMS use cases.