Flexible manufacturing is a production approach in which automated, reconfigurable equipment and material-handling systems can adapt rapidly to changes in product mix and volume with minimal downtime. It combines computer numerical control machines, robots, and automated transport under coordinated supervisory control so that the same line can produce varied parts on demand. The approach targets responsiveness and customisation while retaining the efficiency of automation.
- Flexible Manufacturing is a reconfigurable production approach, a form of IndustrialAutomation, in which automated equipment adapts quickly to changing product mix and volume. It uses a Robot and an Actuator guided by a Sensor, enables Automation and Robotics, and supports SCADA supervision.
Overview
- Flexible manufacturing systems integrate CNC machines, robots, and automated material handling under a shared control layer.
- Reconfiguration is achieved largely in software and tooling, allowing the same cell to switch between part types with little manual setup.
- The approach bridges the gap between high-volume rigid automation and low-volume manual production, supporting customised batches economically.
- It is a cornerstone of agile and smart-factory strategies aimed at responsiveness to demand variation.
Key aspects
- Reconfigurability: routing, tooling, and programs change quickly between products.
- Machine flexibility: each station can perform multiple operations on varied parts.
- Routing flexibility: parts can follow alternative paths to balance load and tolerate faults.
- Integrated control: supervisory software coordinates machines, robots, and transport.
Applications
- Mixed-model assembly producing variants on a single line.
- Mass customisation where products are tailored to individual orders.
- Job-shop modernisation replacing dedicated lines with adaptable cells.
- Resilient production that reroutes work when a machine is down.