Decentralized Control for Small-Scaled Conveyor Modules with Cellular Automata

In-plant material handling faces new challenges due to fast changing material flows and small lot sizes. Small-scaled, multi-directional conveyor modules which are smaller than the goods to be transported provide outstanding flexibility. This paper presents a decentralized, self-organizing control for these modules based on cellular automata. To fulfill the transportation task, each module participates in the solution process. The presented control makes the system easy to reconfigure and scalable. Simulations show, that a complex system behavior emerges from simple rules defining the cellular automaton.