New modelling formalism for control programs of flexible manufacturing systems

Proposed in this paper is a modelling formalism, called the FMS control model, which is able to provide a detailed guideline for the implementation of the FMS control program (PLC program). Although, there are numerous simulation models for FMSs describing the system dynamics at the level of discrete event simulation, they cannot be fully utilised for the generation of a real control program involving sensors and actuators. Due to this, PLC programs for FMSs are usually done by the repetitive method of code writing, testing, and debugging until the control objectives are achieved. This is an error-prone and time-consuming task. The proposed FMS control model is described at the level of sensors and actuators. It can support the PLC program generation from the model. Since the FMS control model has been developed by expanding the DEVS formalism, it has a well-defined formalism. The proposed methodology has been implemented and test runs were made.