Visual interactive simulation and artificial intelligence in design of flexible manufacturing systems

The design of flexible manufacturing systems is a complex decision-making process that typically involves the evaluation of a number of different design alternatives. The evaluation is often performed using modelling and simulation techniques. The role of visual interactive modelling and simulation in design of flexible manufacturing systems is discussed. The application of artificial intelligence techniques to implement a set of knowledge sources, used for accomplishment of various design activities, is described. An object-orientated implementation is used to illustrate the underlying concepts.