Design and Formalization of a Distributed Intelligent Edge-Fog-Cloud Architecture for Industry 4.0 Systems
TL;DR
This study proposes a distributed intelligent Edge-Fog-Cloud architecture combining a structural seven-component intelligent-entity model, a distributed cognition mechanism based on the Perceive, Analyze, Decide, and Act (PADA) cycle, hierarchical coordination, and graceful degradation.
Abstract
Industry 4.0 systems increasingly require distributed decision-making capabilities to manage heterogeneous resources, large volumes of data, and time-sensitive operational constraints. This study proposes a distributed intelligent Edge-Fog-Cloud architecture combining a structural seven-component intelligent-entity model, a distributed cognition mechanism based on the Perceive, Analyze, Decide, and Act (PADA) cycle, hierarchical coordination, and graceful degradation. The contribution lies in the consistent integration of these mechanisms across Edge, Fog, and Cloud decision levels. The framework is illustrated through a proposed deployment scenario derived from the OCP Benguerir phosphate-processing facilities. The present study provides an architectural and qualitative analysis; it does not report physical deployment, prototype, simulation, or quantitative performance evaluation. Responsiveness, scalability, availability, and resilience are therefore treated as design objectives that require future empirical validation.