Network agents for life cycle support of mechanical parts

A part agent system that is composed of a network agent and RFID is proposed to support users in sustainable society who are often unable to get correct information at the correct time. The part agent is a network agent that follows via network counter-part in the real world. Its RFID or an electronic tag attached to the part is used as a key to the identification and temporal memory. The part agent gathers necessary information from the network and then makes a recommendation on maintenance of the part based on the gathered information and historical data of the part it contains. The proposed scheme and its requirements are described. An early result is shown of simplified simulation implemented to promote the re-use of parts. The remaining issues for realization of the system are discussed.