Abstract
This research focuses on the development of a rule-based intelligent equipment maintenance platform using JAVA Expert System Shell (JESS) technology for equipment breakdown diagnoses. A prototype system Is designed and developed combining rule-based knowledge system and inference engine to support real-time collaborative equipment maintenance across geographical boundary. The main modules and functions of the system include diagnosis knowledge management, project (case) management and system administration. The knowledge management module includes key functions such as knowledge type definition, knowledge component definition, document definition, mathematical model definition, rule and rule-set management. The project (case) management module includes key functions such as project definition, project's role management, project's function management and project's rule-set execution. Further, the example of a TFT-LCD production equipment breakdown diagnoses is illustrated to demonstrate the development of the intelligent system for achieving agile collaborative manufacturing processes with real-time equipment diagnosis and maintenance. © 2005 IEEE.