Maximization of Productivity by Distributed Robot System for Manufacturing Operation

Abstract

These days, research of multiple robots, which has distributed function and maximize their total ability have been frequently observed in the field of rescue robots or soccer robots tournament called ROBOCUP. This shows the rapidly growing need of more sophisticated multiple robots which are more dependable compared to function-integrated single robots. Accordingly, several studies have been made regarding sharing and distribution the knowledge which are obtained from the sensory operation. This knowledge must be utilized not only for geographical navigation but for highly complicated exercises. Asama et al. proposed the Intelligent Data Carrier (IDC) with the aim of sharing knowledge among the robots. This utilization of memory media has disadvantage of an increase in cost and redundant need of supervising system for the memory modules. Therefore, in this paper we propose the knowledge sharing system and autonomous line control system using the broad band wireless communication devices, such as wireless LAN and BluetoothR. If the robot modules are equipped with the independent communication systems, efficient and simplified unitary system shall become the practical use. This enables the robot to manage the knowledge interactively.