MODELS FOR FAULT TOLERANCE IN MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

The field of fault tolerance in computer science and engineering has been thoroughly investigated over a long period of time. A great number of different approaches have been presented on means for improving fault tolerance under certain error conditions in computerized systems. One important area that has introduced computers in order to enhance productivity, flexibility and economy, is manufacturing systems in order to acquire computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM). Using computers in a manufacturing system introduces new sources of difficulties, as well as providing new possibilities for overcoming erroneous situations that might disturb production. The aim of this paper is to describe how the use of different configurations for a manufacturing system can improve fault tolerance. One specific erroneous situation which may occur in CIM is the partitioning of a network. This situation can be handled satisfactorily by using the suggested manufacturing system configurations. Additional improvements to fault tolerance can be achieved through the introduction of data buffers and material buffers. This approach is described in this paper.