Comparison of Three Agent-Based Architectures for Distributed Additive Manufacturing

Models of distributed agent-based Additive Manufacturing (AM) systems have suggested that considerable productivity, reactivity, and resiliency gains can be realised. However, there remains scepticism and real-world validation is required to demonstrate the benefits, practicalities, and challenges of implementing agent-based manufacturing systems. It is only then that potential gains can be evidenced and the Return on Investment fully appraised.

This paper discusses the underlying communication architecture required for the creation of a hardware technology demonstrator that enables the evaluation of distributed, agent-based, AM. Three architectures to create the desired network (Host-Client, Peer-to-Peer, and Digital Shadow) are discussed, with a focus on implementation and operational factors. The paper continues by describing the future development needed for the creation of a demonstrator aimed at exploring the ease of adoption of agent-based approaches and the potential for integration into existing AM workflows. The planned demonstrator is to be implemented at the University of Bristol to co-ordinate production across multiple sites in order to support their education and research activities as well as provide a platform for public and industry engagement.