This paper describes ongoing research and development of a Holonic Machine Controller. The characteristics of this new prototype controller will be more flexible and open in comparison with present NC technology. PC based software has been developed on a Windows 16-bit platform that embeds the full functionality of the Machine Control Unit (MCU) of a five axis milling machine. The input to the MCU should be a feature based part description. The new controller is intended to autonomously generate machining NC sequences that are stepwise downloaded and executed by the original NC controller, using the LSV-2 communication protocol. The protocol is conceived as a device-driver. A device-driver can process NIOs (Non-Interruptable Operations) for machining, process gauging, etc. Holonic behaviour will be supported by advanced planning, execution, and monitoring (PEM) actions.
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