Materials-handling systems: Automating of materials handling can integrate otherwise isolated islands of automated machine tools

To function at their full potential, expensive and highly automated production machines have to be integrated into systems. Work in process has to be transported quickly and reliably from one work station to the next, and stored workpieces must be easily accessible. Without this fast and orderly flow of parts and products, automated machines become islands of automation, operating at much lower efficiency and “up time” than when integrated into flexible manufacturing systems [see “Production: a dynamic challenge,” p. 36].