Supporting fault diagnosis through a multi-agent-architecture Original Research Article

In the industrial environment a short down time of CNC machine-tools is increasingly important. One approach to counter the loss of production is to make the machines more reliable, thereby reducing their times of non-use. Another is to enable machine operators to solve the problem themselves, thereby avoiding the delay until maintenance staff is sent from different locations. Operators may be supported in the fault-finding process by a knowledge-based decision–support system. The questions are how to avoid the negative consequences of using such systems and how to even increase competence on the job is addressed by competence promoting multi-agent system for support (ComPASS), a system based on a multi-agent architecture, and an instrument to measure competence enhancement. A running, functioning prototype was developed and evaluated. Based on this experience the system is currently being extended and improved, first results of which are presented here. Article Outline