LAUSR

Abstract Recent development of computer network technologies is achieving highly-distributed manufacturing systems (HDMSs), where each facility is computerized and manages itself autonomously by communicating with other facilities. A distributed method of discrete-event simulation (DES) for HDMSs has been discussed, and a simple algorithm for sequencing events in the order of their occurrence times by communication among facilities has been developed. This paper describes methods for dealing with transfer of objects within this framework of DDES. In DES of manufacturing system, many events are generated, the occurrence time of which cannot be determined until an object concerned reaches the facility by which the object is processed. The sequencing algorithm was improved so that such uncertain events can be dealt with. Transportation using automated guided vehicles (AGVs) was also considered, and a basic concept for simulation of transportation by AGV in the distributed framework was given. Fundamental feasibility of this DDES was proven by an example.