Flexible Manufacturing Systems: Robotics and Computerized Automation

Abstract

The most powerful long-term technological trend impinging on the factory of the future is that toward computer integrated manufacturing. Behind this trend lies the unique capability of the computer to automate, optimize, and integrate the operations of the total system of manufacturing. The virility of this trend is attested to by technological forecasts made over the past 10 years. The rapidity of the development is due not only to this technological virility, but also to powerful long-term economic and social forces impinging on manufacturing. As a result many industrialized nations are pursuing large national programs of research, development, and implementation of computer integrated manufacturing to hasten the technological evolution of computer integrated automatic factories. Programs receiving major emphasis include development and application of integrated manufacturing software systems, group technology and cellular manufacturing, computer control of manufacturing processes and equipment, computer-controlled robots, flexible manufacturing systems, and prototype computer automated factories. This evolution poses some significant challenges to American industry.

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