Intelligent Systems and Technologies for Manufacturing

Abstract

Issues as diverse as occupational safety, waste minimization, and product quality are forcing the Department of Energy (DOE) to increase the level of automation in its defense-production facilities. In this paper, we describe the development necessary to allow a specific automation technology — the standard industrial robot — to be used effectively in DOE manufacturing operations. We describe Sandia's research and development efforts on automated planning and programming, and on programming models and languages for “intelligent” manufacturing systems that use robots. We conclude by discussing the application of these concepts to machines and processes other than robots. We also mention how these technologies affect the more general manufacturing-technology base.