Flexible cell formation and scheduling of robotics coordinated dynamic cellular manufacturing system: A gateway to industry 4.0

This article introduces the concept of cell formation and scheduling in robotics coordinated Dynamic Cellular Manufacturing System (DCMS) for industry 4.0. Automated reconfigurability and flexibility in cellular Manufacturing are based on variations in product demands, deletion or addition of products and varying product mix. To design DCMS for Industry 4.0, this article proposes a conceptual model for an automated production environment in which no human factor involves receiving an order to its delivery. Computer Embedded System will analyze data from the manufacturing environment and make smart decisions to accept and complete the orders. The position and movement of all components will be signaled from the central ERP system. Cell formation will be automated by using Multi-Function Robotics with self-transportation capabilities and Advanced Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV) will be reconfigured and reschedule, whenever the new model added. Cell reformulation will provide a foundation for parts rescheduling. So, the DCMS will improve responsiveness with higher quality and lower cost.