Ontology-based context-sensitive computing for FMS optimization

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present an ontology-based approach of context-sensitive computing for the optimization of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS).Design methodology approach - A context-sensitive computing approach is presented, integrated on top of FMS control platform. The approach addresses how to extract manufacturing contexts at source, how to process contextual entities by developing an ontology-based context model and how to utilize this approach for real time decision making to optimize the key performance indicators (KPIs). A framework for such an optimization support system is proposed. A practical FMS use case within SOA-based control architecture is considered as an illustrative example and the implementation of the core functionalities to the use case is reported.Findings - Continuous improvement of the factory can be enhanced utilizing context-sensitive support applications, which provides an intelligent interface for knowledge acquisition and elicitation. This can be used for improved data analysis and diagnostics, real time feedback control and support for optimization.Research limitations implications - The performance of context-sensitive computing increases with the extraction, modeling and reasoning of as much contexts as possible. However, more computational resources and processing times are associated to this. Hence, the trade-off should be in between the extent of context processing and the required outcome of the support applications.Practical implications - This paper includes the practical implications of context-sensitive applications development in manufacturing, especially in the dynamic operating environment of FMS.Originality value - Reported results provide a modular approach of context-sensitive computing and a practical use case implementation to achieve context awareness in FMS. The results are seen extendable to other manufacturing domains.