A real-time AGV-scheduling system that combines human decision-making with integer-programming algorithms

A description is given of the interaction of a human operator and an automated transportation system within a cell of an FMS. The interaction of a human operator with operations-research-based scheduling algorithms is the research focus. The human role in management of the cell transportation system consists of monitoring the status of parts requiring transportation and, when necessary, interacting with the automated scheduling system to affect the produced schedules in such a way that compensation is made for late parts. Specific operator interaction methods are proposed. Experiments to test the detailed supervisory control philosophy are then discussed