Applications of Agent Technology
at DaimlerChrysler
Stefan Bussmann
Research Information and Communication
Manufacturing and Supply Nets
Research and Technology
Contents of talk
 Why does DaimlerChrysler adopt agent technology?
 Example application Production 2000+
 Lessons learned
 Current applications
Stefan Bussmann, RIC/EN
AgentLink Event London January 2002
2
Research and Technology
Tier 3
Raw Materials
Manufacturing and supply nets
Tier 2
Fabrication
Tier 1
Comp. Assbly
Vehicle
Assembly
Objective
improve manufacturing
and supply processes
Mixing
Center
Dealers
Rastatt
Sindelfingen
Untertürkheim
bodypainting
n-white
assembly
Marienfelde
inter-organizational
supply net
plant network
production lines
vehicle assembly plant
Stefan Bussmann, RIC/EN
AgentLink Event London January 2002
3
Research and Technology
Motivation: Business trends
Growing surplus of industrial capacity and globalization lead to

shorter product life-cycles

reduced time-to-market

increased product variety

volatile demand

reduced investment costs
New manufacturing requirements
 product
flexibility
 volume
scalability
 robustness
Stefan Bussmann, RIC/EN
AgentLink Event London January 2002
4
Research and Technology
Production 2000+: Flexible and robust production system
Disadvantages of transfer lines
 dedicated machines
 rigid material flow
introduce more hardware flexibility
flexible
transportation system
flexible
machine
Stefan Bussmann, RIC/EN
AgentLink Event London January 2002
5
Research and Technology
Production 2000+: An agent-based control system
work pieces find their way
switch
agent
switches direct
the traffic
work piece agent
machine
agent
machines control their work load
Control forces:
 work pieces push themselves
 machines limit work-in-process
Stefan Bussmann, RIC/EN
AgentLink Event London January 2002
6
Research and Technology
Production 2000+: Field test
productivity increase
at least 10%
by-pass to
existing transfer line
Stefan Bussmann, RIC/EN
AgentLink Event London January 2002
7
Research and Technology
Lessons learned
Requirements for wide-spread use in industry

show added-value of agent technology over existing technology

provide development methodology for engineers

provide (commercial) tools for agent development that comply with
existing agent standards

integrate agent technology into industrial environment

provide migration to agent-based systems
Stefan Bussmann, RIC/EN
AgentLink Event London January 2002
8
Research and Technology
Current applications
optimized car painting
flexible car body welding
Stefan Bussmann, RIC/EN
AgentLink Event London January 2002
9