Decentralization of the digitally stored information will consequently be followed by a decentrali-
zation of control systems. Today’s bit by bit programming will no longer be practicable with the
further increase in complexity. Current production systems are already pushing against the limits
of programmability. The taking into account of sensor information, available in increasing quanti-
ties and resolutions, and the reliable coordination of several actuators in real time can no longer
be tested in all function sequences. The variety of tests can be further increased in simulations,
but it has already become necessary to abandon absolute control. Programming will in future be
replaced by a system of rules which the partial systems will follow flexibly within the limits speci-
fied for them and the current situations signalled by the other partial systems.