Data modelling for web enabled design of modular precision assembly devices

One of the key factors for success in assembly automation at present is the ability of system integrators to deliver more reliable and customised systems within shorter periods of time. Despite the active research in the development of distributed engineering support systems, there is a clear need for practical methods and tools to support the interactions between different stakeholders at the early product and assembly system design stages. This paper reports on the development of assembly process and equipment data models using context free grammars. The models enable a web-based decision-making for formation of assembly workstations using distributed linguistic approach.