Control of an automated machining workstation

The software architecture of the vertical machining workstation in the Automated Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) at the National Bureau of Standards is presented. This prototype system demonstrates flexible computer-integrated manufacturing for a family of prismatic parts. The workstation software components include: a feature-based design system for defining part geometries, an automatic process planning and numerical-control code generation system, an automatic robot program generator, a state-machine-based hierarchical control system that executes process plans, a diagnostic tools package, and mailbox communications software. The system is capable of running stand-alone, as a single station manufacturing system, or integrated under the AMRF cell controller.<>