MANUFACTURING SYSTEM WITH CENTRALLY DISPOSED DYNAMIC BUFFER REGION

摘要

MANUFACTURING SYSTEM WITH CENTRALLY DISPOSED DYNAMIC BUFFER REGION A manufacturing system and method wherein a dynamic buffer region is maintained under computer control within a centralized region surrounded by individual machining stages. Robots, preferably mounted on rotating overhead bridge beams, function to feed the machine stages as well as accommodate for surges in the production sequence occasioned due to imbalances in cycling times, down time in the machine and the like. Computer control over the buffer region provides for the assignment and reassignment of storage locations therein for workpieces to maintain system production. Safety techniques are provided limiting operator access to individual machine stages for down time maintenance and function to assure that robots otherwise servicing the down machine stage are excluded from that machine region.