Lean automation strategies for high volume, high complexity, manufacturing systems

Abstract

This thesis and the associated project explore lean automation strategies for high volume, high complexity manufacturing systems. In particular, we study how to reduce the footprint and cost of an automotive sealing line, while maintaining current levels of production, maintainability and safety. The key challenge researched in this thesis concerns how to reduce space requirements and cost of a highly automated facility without sacrificing system maintainability, safety or throughput. For this study, any solution must utilize currently available technology. The thesis will review the basic research, concept development, layout development and solution refinement activities that lead to a final concept and recommendation. The key findings for this study include three strategies that led to a lower cost footprint that consumed less space. These strategies are: " Intelligent reduction of conveyance systems "Increased system flexibility" Increased automation density Additionally the study highlights how these strategies complement each other when addressing cost and space reduction challenges. In this particular study the three strategies yielded space savings of approximately 33% and capital cost savings of about 10%.