Evolvable production systems: Approach towards modern production systems

Abstract

To face current socio-economic adverse conditions enterprises must increase their efficiency and evolve to the requirements of customization and sustainability. Modern production systems need to deal with instability of markets and resource scarcity regarding an economical, ecological and social concern. The Evolvable Production Systems (EPS) has aimed at developing such technological solutions and support mechanisms that may endow European assembly companies to fulfil these demands. EPS seeks highly adaptable control and mechanical systems enhancing re-usability and interoperability of modules, extending their life cycle and enabling short deployment times at shop floor level. Only with very agile and adaptable systems will be possible to enhance material re-usability, reduce energy consumption and give a quick response to unforeseen changed conditions or new business opportunities. This paper will present Evolvable Production Systems advantages in order to achieve such results towards more ecological and economically suitable production systems. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.