Traditional manufacturing systems rely upon centralized, hierarchical systems that are not responsive enough to the increasing demand for mass customization. Decentralized, or heterarchical, management systems using autonomous agents promise to nullify the limitations of previous solutions. Agent-Based Manufacturing and Control Systems: New

Massimo Paolucci, Roberto Sacile

Agent Technology in Modern Production Systems. Issues in Designing Agent-Based Manufacturing Systems. Agents for Planning, Scheduling, and Control. Agent-Based Simulation. Agent System Implementation. Past Successes. Future Challenges.