New inventions and innovative assembly system integrators are the highlights of the 2007 assembly technology expo

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to review the 2007 ATExpo Show and related Electronics Assembly Show, Quality, PlasTec and National Manufacturing Week Shows held jointly in Chicago. Design/methodology/approach - In-depth interviews were conducted with exhibitors who provide assembly systems, controls, grippers and otherrnassembly systems components. Findings - Though automated assembly has been around many decades, suppliers have continued to innovate new technologies, controllers and software that enhance the automated assembly process.rnOriginality/value - The paper is of value in confirming that suppliers are continuing to develop assembly cells, modular elements, software and other related components that help make the design and commissioning of systems faster and cheaper. Automated assembly is a truly competitive approach to reducing cost of assembly, quality of products produced and efficiently managing resources.