Petri nets are widely used in modeling, analysis, and control of discrete event systems arising from manufacturing, transportation, computer and communication networks, and web service systems. However, Petri net models for practical systems can be very large, making it difficult to apply such models to real-life problems.

System Modeling and Control with Resource-Oriented Petri Nets introduces a new resource-oriented Petri net (ROPN) model that was developed by the authors. Not only does it successfully reduce model size, but it also offers improvements that facilitate effective modeling, analysis, and control of automated and reconfigurable manufacturing systems.

Presenting the latest research in this novel approach, this cutting-edge volume provides proven theories and methodologies for implementing cost and time-saving improvements to contemporary manufacturing systems. It provides effective tools for deadlock avoidance?deadlock-free routing and deadlock-free scheduling. The authors supply simple and complex industrial manufacturing system examples to illustrate time-tested concepts, theories, and approaches for solving real-life application problems. Written in a clear and concise manner, the text covers applications to automated and reconfigurable manufacturing systems, automated guided vehicle (AGV) systems, semiconductor manufacturing systems, and flexible assembly systems.

Explaining complex concepts in a manner that is easy to understand, the authors provide the understanding and tools needed for more effective modeling, analysis, performance evaluation, control, and scheduling of engineering processes that will lead to more flexible and efficient manufacturing systems.

The Oxford University Robotics Research Group has been working for several years to improve the ability of automated guided vehicles. This book brings together much of the key research work on sensors and planning that was inspired by an industrial vehicle donated by a factory automation division in GEC, GEC-FAST, together with background material to provide a basic but up-to-date reference guide to autonomous vehicle research. The book includes work on control, sensing technologies, sensor management and data-fusion, different styles of path planning suited for off-line or online plans and task planning. It is designed to act both as a reference for the robotics professional, and as a text for university-level courses.

Manufacturing Systems covers the basic elements of manufacturing as a managed body of activities. Topics include materials, processes, and management techniques.