// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
Cellular Manufacturing
Cellular manufacturing is an approach where production equipment and workers are organized into self-contained units, or 'cells,' each responsible for completing a specific set of operations for a product family. It's designed to streamline flow.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Cellular Manufacturing is a lean production system that organizes diverse machines and human resources into self-contained, multi-functional work cells dedicated to producing a specific family of parts or products, thereby optimizing material flow, reducing setup times, and fostering cross-functional teamwork.
SYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Manufacturing cells
- Production cells
- Work cells
- Group technology
USAGE NOTE
Cellular manufacturing improves efficiency by reducing travel distance and waiting times between operations.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Cellular Manufacturing.
A global technology powerhouse that provides comprehensive industrial automation and digitalization solutions, including software (e.g., MES, PLM) and hardware that enable the design, simulation, and optimization of cellular manufacturing systems and smart factories.
Offers virtual manufacturing and simulation software, such as DELMIA, which allows companies to design, simulate, optimize, and manage production processes and factory layouts, including cellular manufacturing cells, before physical implementation.
Provides industrial automation, control systems, and software solutions, including MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) like FactoryTalk, that help manage and optimize production operations, enabling flexible and efficient cellular manufacturing.
A leading global manufacturer of industrial robots and CNC systems. FANUC's automation technology is crucial for implementing automated and flexible production cells, enhancing efficiency and adaptability in manufacturing.
One of the world's leading suppliers of industrial robots and automation solutions. KUKA's robots and intelligent automation systems are used to create highly efficient and adaptive cellular manufacturing environments.
Offers drive and control technologies, linear motion and assembly technology, and modular production systems that support the development and implementation of lean, agile, and cellular manufacturing concepts.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA conducts applied research and develops innovative solutions for industrial automation, production systems, and lean manufacturing, including concepts and technologies for cellular manufacturing.
A pioneer and market leader in collaborative robots (cobots), which are ideal for flexible, human-centric cellular manufacturing setups. Their technology enables automation in environments where humans and robots work side-by-side.
Offers enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution system (MES) software solutions that provide the framework for planning, scheduling, and executing production, including supporting the management and optimization of cellular manufacturing operations.