This paper describes a conceptual framework for applying a multi-agent system to process planning for integrating design, process planning and shop floor scheduling so that a distributed, cooperative and integrated process planning system is constructed. The problem in process planning has been mapped onto a multi-agent architecture based on multistage cooperation. The multi-agent system has some common characteristics, such as distribution, autonomy, interaction and openness, which are helpful for the traditional architecture to be transferred to the distributed, cooperative architecture for process planning system. An agent-based framework for an integrated, distributed and cooperative process planning system (IDCPPS) integrates all the activities of process planning into a distributed intelligent open environment. Agents in the agent-based framework for the IDCPPS can be organized dynamically and cooperate with each other to perform an appointed task flexibly. In addition, using CORBA technology, a prototype system of the IDCPPS is implemented.
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