Hybrid fuzzy/crisp-logic control of manufacturing systems

In recent years, techniques such as dynamic programming, the maximum principle, linear programming, and genetic algorithms have been used to synthesise optimal control policies for manufacturing systems. However, such techniques are frequently rather opaque and often yield control policies that are implemented by open-loop rather than closed-loop control systems. In this paper, it is therefore shown that closed-loop systems incorporating hybrid fuzzy/crisp-logic controllers can be readily designed for manufacturing systems. This hybrid approach is illustrated by reference to the closed-loop control of a simple manufacturing system producing a single part type