The role of hybrid systems theory in virtual manufacturing

Virtual Manufacturing (VM) is an integrated, synthetic manufacturing environment exercised to enhance all levels of decision and control in a manufacturing enterprise. VM environments are being proposed to improve the authors´ military preparedness, enable lean and agile manufacturing, improve product and process design. Reduce manufacturing risks, improve manufacturing design and operation, support manufacturing system changes, enhance product service and repair, increase manufacturing understanding, and provide a vehicle for manufacturing training and research. This paper describes the United States Air Force/Wright Laboratories initiative in VM. It describes the technologies which will be required to fully implement VM. The special role of hybrid systems theory in VM is explained