Towards Intelligent Self-Reconfiguration of Manufacturing Systems

Abstract

Global market demand is undergoing significant and rapid changes, creating an unprecedented challenge for conventional manufacturing systems such as mass production. As the demand for highly customized products surges, these traditional methods struggle to handle the dynamic market demands. However, a promising solution may lie in Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMS), developed in the late 1990s. RMS have the potential to address the current demand fluctuations effectively. Despite their promise, many manufacturers worldwide encountered challenges when attempting to adopt the concept of Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems, particularly concerning the integration and modularity aspects. This research’s goal is to close this gap by providing a comprehensive framework that addresses these challenges and elevates the effectiveness of RMS to new heights. Extensive data were collected from relevant literature and expert interviews to develop the framework. Utilizing the collected data, a conceptual framework was formulated, serving as a blueprint to overcome the identified issues and enhance the performance of RMS. To ensure the validity and practicality of the proposed framework, a second round of interviews was conducted, seeking validation from industry experts. By offering a robust and validated framework, this research seeks to contribute to the manufacturing landscape by empowering industries to embrace Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems confidently. This transformation has the potential to unlock unparalleled flexibility and responsiveness, enabling manufacturers to meet the ever-changing demands of the global market efficiently. As a result, this paper lays the foundation for a more adaptive and competitive manufacturing ecosystem for the future.