The transition from traditional to truly smart dynamically adaptable manufacturing demands the adoption of a high degree of autonomy within automation systems, with resultant changes in the role of the human, in both the manufacturing and logistics functions within the factory. In the context of smart manufacturing, this paper describes research towards the realization of adaptable autonomous automation systems from both the control and information perspectives. Key facets of the approach taken at WMG are described in relation to human–machine interaction, autonomous approaches to assembly and intra-logistics, integration and dynamic system-wide optimization. The progression from simple distributed behavioural components towards autonomous functional entities is described. Effective systems integration and the importance of interoperability in the realization of more distributed and autonomous automation systems are discussed, so that operational information can propagate seamlessly, eliminating the traditional boundary between operational technology and information technology systems, and as an enabler for global knowledge collection, analysis and optimization.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Towards symbiotic autonomous systems'.

从传统制造到真正智能的动态适应性制造的转变需要在自动化系统中采用高度自治，从而在工厂内的制造和物流功能中改变人的角色。在智能制造的背景下，本文从控制和信息两个角度描述了对实现自适应自主自动化系统的研究。WMG 采用的方法的关键方面与人机交互、装配和内部物流的自主方法、集成和动态系统范围优化有关。描述了从简单的分布式行为组件到自主功能实体的进展。

本文是主题问题“走向共生自治系统”的一部分。