The Application of a Multi-agent System for Process Management and Nc Data Transfer Aided by a Dnc System

In the network-based DNC systems and especially heterogeneous DNC systems, data get more distributed due to the ability to store not only in the DNC Server, but also in the CNC controller or CNC Terminal. This presents a challenge to the DNC software in the implementation of its basic functions. The agent-based DNC software with assistants (ADNC) is suggested to solve the above problem. Its tasks are to collect distributed NC information, and transfer data safely as well as performing other extended functions, i.e. NC program generation, machine data collection, production data collection, control machines in system, etc. In this paper we presented our concept to develop the ADNC, and its first prototype. This prototype was developed in a process using a framework of agent-based assistants, called Agent AP. It is applicable on distributed manufacturing data and had been implemented on the agent platform JADE. The module Program Assistant, one of these prototype modules, which is responsible for management, bidirectional transfer, and monitoring change of NC programs, is also discussed.