Improvements in operations management applied to a 3D simulation connected to a physical platform

Abstract

Logistics are a key factor for manufacturing companies in developed countries to better exploit their competitive advantages of proximity to market and flexibility. In order to improve the management of a logistics/distribution center, this paper proposes the use of control methods based on Multi-Agent Systems enhanced with Radio-Frequency Identification. However, the best way to demonstrate the benefits of using these solutions, is to apply them to a real company; but, naturally, this is impractical. In this paper, an experimental platform composed of a 3D simulation combined with a physical miniature model is used to illustrate the proposed control methods. The set-up described here has been assembled in the AUTOLOG laboratory at the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain. The design of the platform is somewhat generic, allowing adaptation to different distribution problems, but has been inspired on a real local facility. The objective of this system is to provide a testbench to experiment with multidisciplinary theories, techniques, and algorithms that can be grouped into four areas: automation and robotics, instrumentation and control, production planning, and logistics and distribution.

Implementación del Control en Planta de un Centro de Distribución Automatizado mediante Agentes Físicos y RFID

“…Las instalaciones se componen de una serie de mesas de rodillos y cadenas, transelevadores, elevadores, zona de estanterías, zonas de entrada y salida de productos, zonas de preparación de picking y puntos de control. Una descripción detallada de la plataforma puede encontrarse en Encinas et al (2012).…”

Recent Developments and Future Trends of Industrial Agents

“…The application of control methods based on multi-agent systems enhanced with RFiD to improve the management of a logistics/distribution center was reported in [36], using an experimental platform composed of a 3D simulation combined with a physical miniature model developed at the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain.…”