// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
Cell Manufacturing
Cell manufacturing is a production layout where machines and workstations are grouped together in a 'cell' to produce a family of similar products. This reduces movement and improves flow.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Cell Manufacturing is a lean production layout strategy that groups dissimilar machines and workstations into a 'manufacturing cell' to process a family of parts or products, minimizing material handling, reducing work-in-progress, and improving throughput and quality.
BACKGROUND
Lean manufacturing is a management system built on three principles: produce only what is needed, when it is needed; correct abnormalities as soon as they occur; and empower workers to improve the process themselves.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Manufacturing cell
- Work cell
- Production cell
- Group technology layout
USAGE NOTE
Cell manufacturing is often implemented to reduce lead times and improve flexibility for specific product lines.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Cell Manufacturing.
Develops the Digital Enterprise Suite, which enables the design, simulation, and operation of manufacturing cells using digital twins. Their SIMATIC controllers and TIA Portal software are fundamental for automating and connecting cell-based production.
Provides integrated control and information solutions through its 'Connected Enterprise' framework. Their Allen-Bradley controllers and FactoryTalk software suite help manage and optimize the performance of individual manufacturing cells and integrate them into the wider production system.
A leading manufacturer of factory automation, including industrial robots, CNC systems, and ROBOMACHINEs (ROBODRILL, ROBOCUT, ROBOSHOT). These components are core building blocks for high-performance manufacturing cells, especially in metalworking and automotive industries.
A major provider of industrial and collaborative robots that form the heart of many automated manufacturing cells. Their ABB Ability™ platform provides digital services to monitor, manage, and optimize the performance of robotic cells.
Specializes in robotics and automation technology. KUKA provides a wide range of industrial and collaborative robots, mobile platforms, and software solutions (like KUKA.Sim) for designing, programming, and operating flexible manufacturing cells.
Offers the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, with its DELMIA application, for virtual modeling and simulation of manufacturing processes. This allows companies to design, optimize, and validate cellular manufacturing layouts and workflows before physical implementation.
A market leader in collaborative robots (cobots). Their technology is key to creating flexible manufacturing cells where humans and robots can safely work in close proximity, a central concept of Industry 5.0's human-centric approach.
Develops and markets autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for automating internal logistics. MiR's robots are used to transport materials to, from, and between manufacturing cells, eliminating manual transport and creating a more flexible and efficient production flow.
Provides intelligent factory automation solutions, specializing in flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) built around machine tools. Their systems manage pallets, tools, and data to enable 24/7 production within automated cells.