Flexible manufacturing systems: Industry 4.0 solution

Abstract

The development of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) and solutions based on flexibility idea (flexible assembly systems, flexible selection and picking systems, automated warehouses) began in the eighties of the last century. The process of planning, designing and FMS implementation is not an easy in many traditional companies. The authors of this paper presented some remarks on conventional and flexible manufacturing systems, listing positive and negative premises and consequences of FMS implementation. The paper briefly discusses the idea of flexible manufacturing system and automation, as the solution typical for the Industry 4.0, recognizes the approach of polish enterprises towards the approach and some of the trends that seem to be the future of the FMS solutions.