A Framework for Development and Implementation of Web service-Based Intelligent Autonomous Mechatronics Components

In this paper, a framework to support the transition of existing (legacy) production systems to a new Intelligent Autonomous Mechatronics Components-based (IAMC) collaborative structure has been addressed. After a first overview of the key enabling technologies and methods, the authors propose integrating Web-based service-oriented architecture and a software-based framework for implementing a platform to allow collaborative production automation behaviours. As one of the major outcomes of the application of this approach at industrial level, the authors address the few hardware investments and the facilitation of integrating legacy systems. In the research and development contexts of the contribution, the authors identify some key objectives that still need to be realised and/or improved, in order to allow a broad implementation of IAMC-based collaborative automation systems in the industry.