A complexity theory approach to evolvable production systems

Evolvable Production Systems differ from Reconfigurable and Holonic Manufacturing Systems by implying ontology-based process-specific modularity at fine granularity with local intelligence and a distributed control solution based on the Multi-Agent paradigm. Understanding the dynamics of such complex production systems is not feasible with traditional engineering. For creating the manufacturing systems of the future, engineers need to dare a leap in their ways of thinking. Complexity Theory and Artificial Intelligence can be a valuable source of inspiration for manufacturing engineers. This article illustrates how ideas from these scientific areas fit the problems and open questions of manufacturing. Some concepts, as Self-Organization and Emergence, need adaptation to be applicable in production systems; others simply require the right perspective. Finally, a vision of future EPS is outlined.