Cognitive Process Planning.

Over the past years, the spread of computer-aided pro-cess planning systems (CAPP) continuously increased. These systems comprise functions which range from simple database administration systems including search functions supporting a repetitive and variant planning up to computer-aided systems enabling the operator to carry out a new planning of processes. But compared to tech-nically mature CAD- or CAM-systems, CAPP-sys-tems have become less accepted in industry.

This is due to the fact, that process planning tasks basi-cally require the process planners‟ know-how. There is a limited feasibility to describe planning tasks such as iden-tifying the required machine, tool and apparatus, deter-mining the target manufacturing time and costs as well as the machining sequence by common formula and algo-rithms. Especially cognitive-like properties such as learn-ing from previous planning activities including their later implementation, assessing new situations and transfer-ring the know-how to different processes are not state-of-the-art in automated process planning activities. Therefore, the aim of actual research activities at IFW is the development of a novel cognitive process planning approach emulating cognitive skills of human process planner.