This paper describes an application of a programming system, K-NET to the development of control software for an automated guided vehicle system. K-NET is based on a high-level Petri net which makes it simple to express sequence controls. Procedural language can be also used for information processing. K-NET has an editor to input and edit control specifications expressed with Petri net ; a simulator to verify edited specifications ; a generator to convert the net to C source programs for a controller ; a reporter to print control specifications ; and a monitor to display controller status in real-time. K-NET can support all development stages including general design, detailed design, programming and testing. K-NET has been used in the development of control software for an automated guided vehicle system, and results show a 2/3 rds cost-saving over development with conventional methods in which only procedural language is used.
