Post-prognostics decision making in distributed MEMS-based systems

In this paper, the problem of using prognostics information of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) for post-prognostics decision in distributed MEMS-based systems is addressed. A strategy of post-prognostics decision is proposed and then implemented in a distributed MEMS-based conveying surface. The surface is designed to convey fragile and tiny micro-objects. The purpose is to use the prognostics results of the used MEMS in the form of remaining useful life to maintain as long as possible a good performance of the conveying surface. For that, a distributed algorithm for distributed decision making in dynamic conditions is proposed. In addition, a simulator to simulate the decision in the targeted system is developed. Simulation results show the importance of the post-prognostics decision to optimize the utilization of the system and improve its performance.