Holonic Manufacturing Systems

This contribution introduces in the background of holonic systems and holarchies as a hierarchical model for biological and social structures in nature. The characteristics of these hierarchical architectures and its elements will be explained. It will be shown how this approach can be used as a potential solution for present and future challenges in manufacturing control systems. The results of an internationally performed feasibility study heading for the joint development of this technology will be described. A report on the current status of the international research activities will cover the technical and organisational aspects of the project.