Actual State and Development Trends of Manufacturing Systems and Automation of Production

Abstract

The development of modern production systems is strongly influenced with present mega trends in the automation. The main mega trends are: computer integration (since 1970), increasing of flexibility (since 1980) and applying of (artificial) intelligence (since 1990). It is possible to talk about three generations of production systems: automated production systems based on computer integration, flexible manufacturing/assembly systems based on computer integration and flexibility, and intelligent manufacturing systems based on computer integration, flexibility and intelligence. The typical characteristics of each type of production system, and the role of men are discussed. The development trends and 3 each type of production system, and role of man are discussed. The further development of intelligent manufacturing systems will depend on the development and use of intelligent sensorics, information highway and implementation of biological methods and principles of (artificial) life.