International cooperation to develop intelligent manufacturing systems (IMS)

Summary form only given. The author discusses some aspects of advanced manufacturing and the advantages of international collaboration and suggests some areas for collaboration. He outlines the Japanese intelligent manufacturing system (IMS) proposal and enumerates its background. The IMS proposal includes the following elements: (1) the move away from manufacturing by the work force, (2) the appearance of isolated islands of automation, (3) globalization of manufacturing, (4) insufficient systemization for existing technology, (5) diversification of consumer needs, and (6) the hollowing-out of industry and the decline of production.<
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