In this thesis, Petri net models for Flexible Manufacturing Systems (EMS) are constructed. A firing sequence of the Petri net from the initial marking to the final marking can be seen as a schedule of the modeled FMS. By using the branch-and-bound algorithm, an optimal schedule of the FMS can be obtained.

Automated Guided Vehicle Systems (AGVS) are increasingly used for material handling in factories and warehouses. An AGVS can reduce labor costs and is ready to be integrated into an automated factory. This thesis presents two AGVS models (shared and duty) which integrate the control of AGVS with the control of part processing facilities. Both types of AGVS are modeled by Petri nets. We want to compare the two AGVS in terms of systems performance and discuss which application is more suitable for each AGVS type.

We also want to consider and solve AGV jam problems. The objective of the AGV jam-free control module is to guarantee a jam-free condition among AGVs in an EMS. Results have been obtained and analyzed.