Whitestein offers a case-specific Autonomic Machine Control (AMC) technology solution for controlling modular production lines. The distributed intelligent control core connects with embedded hardware via CAN Bus interfaces to dynamically coordinate and configure machine operation.
This is made possible through the first-time application of a novel software engineering concept in the area of machine control. Instead of a monolithic product, AMC offers a comprehensive modular solution that consists of autonomous, self-managing software components. These control agents have unique abilities and characteristics that are not efficiently attainable with a hardwired control software architecture.
AMC offers the full functionality of a comprehensive solution and is individually customized to the requirements of the specific deployment scenario.
The Modula Wave industrial soldering machine from Kirsten Soldering AG is controlled with a Whitestein AMC solution.
The special features of a solution with AMC are:
Autonomic module control
Every machine module is represented by a specifically adapted software agent that optimizes module operation and capacity utilization.
Superior coordination
Through permanent bilateral negotiation and coordination between neighboring modules (i.e., of their software agents) the system constantly reaches a state of superior coordination. This eliminates the need for a central control instance.
Self-managing orders
As for every module (resource), software agents also are responsible for the control of each production unit (order). They self-manage the orders as they progress through the machine(s) autonomously and ensure that all requirements relating to (cost-)efficiency, speed and quality are optimally satisfied.
Distributed communication
The decentralized approach based on bilateral communication allows for virtually unlimited scaling possibilities, while at the same time increasing the robustness against malfunctions and various external influences.
Future-proof interface
At the controller level, AMC works with CANopen as the established industry standard, which ensures openness when enhancing a setup in the future.
