Having completed an MSci degree in physics at the University of Nottingham, I joined the graduate training scheme at Rolls-Royce in Derby. This programme consisted of a number of placements in various departments around the company. I was presented with the Chairman's Award as Trainee of the Year for my work on the scheme. I now working in the Strategic Research Centre at Rolls-Royce, looking at how computational intelligence techniques can be applied to manufacturing areas. I graduated with the Engineering Business Management MSc from Warwick in October 2001 and I am a Chartered Physicist with the Institute of Physics.

The main focus of my work is on a relatively new software technology called intelligent agents. Intelligent agents are separated from normal software by the ability to operate autonomously. For example, agents can make their own decisions based on the latest information, without the need for user input. Multi-agent systems allow interaction between agents, sharing information, goals and ambitions to achieve the best possible outcome. If circumstances change, agents can react and change accordingly. This type of behaviour provides potential benefits in a number of application areas.

In order to demonstrate agents within the company, the objective is to tackle the problem of manufacturing scheduling. To produce a finished component, there are usually a number of different processes to be completed on a certain number of machines. The work focuses on the use of intelligent agents to produce dynamic schedules that are able to react to changing circumstances and environments.

Picture © Rolls-Royce plc.

The work is jointly funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and is focused on extending the EPSRC's e-science Grid programme, an initiative in which Rolls-Royce is heavily involved through the DAME and GEODISE pilot projects.

Strategic Research Centre (SINA-28),
Rolls-Royce plc,
PO Box 31,
DERBY
DE24 8BJ

E-mail: mark.cheeseman@rolls-royce.com
Phone: (01332) 246989
Fax: (01332) 247129