A max-algebra approach to the robust distributed control of repetitive AGV systems

This paper presents a new approach for distributed control of automatic guided vehicle systems (AGVS) that uses max-algebra formalism to model system operation. The proposed method differs from previous works on performance analysis and control of such systems in that it constructs a feasible schedule by exploiting the repetitive character of the flow of automated guided vehicles. The AGVS is treated as a distributed system composed of autonomous and repetitive processes of AGV flows. Its periodic behaviour follows from the type of operation characterizing the job shops considered. The proposed approach employs a concept of asynchronous traffic semaphores that provide the local mechanism for vehicle flow synchronization. Setting the timing of particular semaphores results in distributed control of vehicle flows possessing self-synchronization capabilities.