ABSTRACT
A need for advanced communication links can be particularly found within the flexible manufacturing systems which contain a large number o f numerically controlled machine tools, programmable controllers, monitoring and command facilities, computer guided vehicles, etc. mutually linked for information ex change. Here, even a special backbone communication link, the M A P (Manufac turing Automation Protocol) bus system has been developed that, combined wi th the Field Bus, facilitates solving the communication and data transfer problem at factory floor.
