A proposition of a manufactronic network approach for intelligent and flexible manufacturing systems

• Main Authors: Fernando Almeida, Paulo Dias, Gil Gonçalves, Michael Peschl, Michael Hoffmeister
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Growing Science 2011-10-01
• Series: International Journal of Industrial Engineering Computations
• Subjects: Intelligent manufacturing; Production unit; Quality systems; Workflow models
• Online Access: http://www.growingscience.com/ijiec/Vol2/IJIEC_2011_26.pdf

The XPRESS project introduces a completely new scalable concept of a manufactronic networked factory, which is composed by a co-ordinated team of specialized autonomous objects (Manufactrons), each knowing how to do a certain process optimally. This knowledge based concept integrated the complete chain: production configuration (decrease of ramp-up time of at least 50%), multi-variant production line (varying types and volumes on a single line) and 100% quality monitoring. The manufactronic networked architecture allows continuous process improvement, and will be able to anticipate and to respond to rapidly changing consumer needs, producing high-quality products in adequate quantities while reducing costs. This concept is demonstrated in the automotive, aeronautics and electrical industry but can be transferred to nearly all production processes.