Designing a Smart Assembly System
Year: 2009
Editor: Norell Bergendahl, M.; Grimheden, M.; Leifer, L.; Skogstad, P.; Lindemann, U.
Author: Camelio, Jaime A.; Gershenson, John K.
Series: ICED
Section: Product and Systems Design
Page(s): 365-
Abstract
The intention of this paper is to begin the discussion about the current needs for innovation around assembly systems and how new technologies are redefining the challenges of designing new assembly products and processes. The paper focuses on the challenges of a smart assembly system from the design perspective, considering the entire assembly system. The questions that will be answered are related to: What is new in smart assembly compared to previous research areas such as design for assembly (DfA), product platforming, and lean manufacturing? What are the key elements of a smart assembly system? How should the challenge of smart assembly be undertaken? In this paper, the concept of smart assembly is introduced and discussed. Smart assembly seeks to transform the way that products are designed and assembled based on the integration of virtual and real time methods. The key elements identified in a smart assembly environment are people, product, process, technology, and information. The key components of each of these elements are discussed.
Keywords: Smart Assembly, Assembly Design, Product and Process Design, Lean