Software for factory automation

In this book, world-renowned specialists present research papers discussing fundamental concepts, current developments and future trends in Factory Automation (FA) Software. Included are the subsequent discussions about the objectives, implications and difficulties of using FA software. The research papers were originally presented at a conference organized by IFIP Working Group 5.3 - Discrete Manufacturing'' - which covers all aspects of Computer Aided Manufacturing, such as programming languages for numerically controlled machine tools, process planning and optimization, integration of CAD and CAM and computer integrated manufacturing and robotics. The working group's scope includes advanced automation technologies, such as automated machine tools, industrial robots, material handling equipment and FMS.