Advanced process automation using automation agents

Current process automation solutions have a limited capability concerning agile adaptation in a dynamic environment as well as in the case of unexpected internal and external disturbances. Distributed intelligent control systems based on agent technologies are seen as a promising approach to handle the dynamics in large complex systems. In this paper, we present a multi-agent system architecture capable to answer to the major requirements in the process domain. The architecture is based on agents with diverse responsibilities and tasks and additionally separates the control software of agents controlling hardware components into two levels, the high level control and the low level control. Our system architecture has also the ability to flexibly reschedule allocated jobs in the case of resource breakdowns in order to minimize downtimes and resulting costs. The system is currently tested and evaluated in the Odo Struger Laboratory at the Automation and Control Institute.