A generic control architecture for material handling systems applied to a baggage handling system

This paper is part of research on generic planning and control of automated Material Handling Systems (MHSs) in different industrial sectors. We build upon previous work to provide a proof of concept for the applicability of a generic control architecture on a specific MHS. To this end, the baggage handling system (BHS) of a major European hub represents our business case. We present the control architecture and apply it to the BHS under study in a simulation environment. This application shows how the generic control architecture adapts to the specificities of this BHS and how it handles unconventional workstation types, i.e., robots. Finally, we highlight the lessons learned and make recommendations for future applications