Fuzzy metrics in configuration of reconfigurable systems

Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMSs) are designed to be changeable, adaptable, flexible and agile. A key matter in the functionality of these systems at the machine level is configuration. What are the critical aspects that need to be measured in configuring RMS? What degrees of measure will be representative of the reconfigurability of such systems when considering reconfiguration? This paper presents the metrics for fuzzy decisions to create optimal configurations of machine structures. This is done with respect to a given part geometry and the measure is to be mapped on to available machine configurations. A system of determining the membership function of constraint parameters is proposed. Using the fuzzy decisions for the configuration system, selection of optimal modular reconfigurable tool configurations is anticipated.