This volume demonstrates that the key to the modeling, diagnosis and control of the next generation manufacturing processes is to integrate knowledge-based systems with traditional techniques. An up-to-date study is given here of this relatively recent development.The book is for those working primarily with traditional techniques and those working in the knowledge-based systems field. Both sets of readers will find it to be a source of many specific ideas about the integration of knowledge-based systems with traditional techniques, and carrying a wealth of useful references.