Current status of reconfigurable assembly systems

Reconfigurable Manufacturing System (RMS) is one of most promising paradigms that provide an effective solution to changes and uncertainties in a competitive manufacturing environment. A Reconfigurable Assembly System (RAS) is a key component of an RMS. In this paper, our survey on the development of RAS has been summarised. The objectives of this literature survey are to: • clarify the needs and drivers in developing reconfigurable assembly systems • identify both academic and practical issues critical to the development of reconfigurable assembly systems • understand the state of the art of R&D related to the studies on the critical issues • reveal the future research directions, which are mostly beneficial to manufacturing industries.