Reconfigurable manufacturing systems; an approach to increase the productivity of manufacturing systems

Abstract

Excessive production ability and economic globalization force the manufacturing environment to become unstable and uncertain. One of the most prevalent uncertainties in manufacturing systems is breakdowns and bottlenecks. Conventional Manufacturing Systems are unable to address such issues; thereby, creating space for a Manufacturing System with suitable reconfigurability. This paper explains the characteristics and principles of reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS); its implementation; and the role of Virtual Engineering in Manufacturing Systems (MSs) design.