Integrated Manufacturing Systems

Question 1

Design Philosophy

Answer 1

Performance
Innovation
Low cost of ownership
Contribution to environement

Question 2

Multi-Tasking

Answer 2

Reduce production lead time
Improving machining accuracy
Reduce floor space and initial cost
Lower operating expenses
Reduce operator requirements
Streamline production

Question 3

Market Drivers for Automation

Answer 3

Capturing knowledge
Drives profits
Product quality
Faster
Improved productivity
Reduce down-time
Sustainable

Question 4

Trends and challenges

Answer 4

Low volume/high mix:
Automation complexity and unpredictability
Collaborative automation for greater flexibility

Shorter product lifecycles:
Shop floor disruptions
Better software

Increased need for automation in SMEs
Lack of programming expertise
Easier to use robots

Rising cost of downtime
Higher total cost of ownership
Advanced analytics

Increases and sporadic human intervention
Lost productivity
Collaborative automation to maintain safety and productivity