Feature-based assembly model and multi-agents system structure for computer-aided assembly

Proposes an approach for a computer-aided assembly (CAA) system, which makes use of software agent technology and deals with a representation of assembly features. The proposed system corresponds to a multi-agent society. Each agent solves problems autonomously by itself and sometimes cooperates with other agents communicating asynchronously. The system never thinks like a assembly engineer; but makes it possible to support engineers in doing creative methodology, and producing new ideas better than the conventional CAA.