Holonic Production and Material Flow in Industry

1. Introduction The automotive industry is one of the most automated manufacturing industries worldwide nevertheless there is still a lot of potential for further improvements. On the given example of an existing production plant at DaimlerChrysler AG a new holonic concept has been developed by HMS partners breaking up rigid transfer line structures and introducing new concepts of flexible resource allocation and material flow. As result, the performed holonic redesign of engine assembly and related material flow processes leads to a significant increase of throughput and productivity. These results are reached by consequent introduction of agent based control structures, additional break-out stations and Holonic Autonomous Guided Vehicles (H-AGVs). Evidence is given by comprehensive simulation tests performed at DaimlerChrysler and Fraunhofer IPA.