Inhaltsangabe1 Introduction.- 1 Introduction.- 1.1 Main Purpose of this Book.- 1.2 International Work Shop for Assembly Automation and Work Organization.- 1.3 Motivation for the Book: Why Study Assembly Automation Now?.- 1.4 Factors Affecting the Choice of Assembly Systems.- 1.4.1 Objectives of Assembly Systems.- 1.4.2 Context.- 1.5 Main Perspectives of the Book.- 1.5.1 Total System Perspective: Alternatives and Actual Results.- 1.5.2 Evolutionary Perspective.- 1.6 Organization of the Book.- 1.7 Refernces.- 2 Concepts and Histories.- 2.1 Assembly Automation in Europe - Past Experience and Future Trends.- 2.1.1 Automobile Factory: Production and Assembly.- 2.1.2 A Chronology of Innovations.- 2.1.3 Innovation Paths.- 2.1.4 Conclusions.- 2.2 Basic Trends in the Physics and Economics of Automated Fabrication and Assembly Operations.- 2.2.1 Fabrication.- 2.2.2 Assembly.- 2.2.3 Simplified Economic Models.- 2.2.4 Summary.- 2.2.5 References.- 2.3 Key Characteristics of Assembly Automation Systems.- 2.3.1 Automation, Complexity and Flexibility.- 2.3.2 Growth of Robotic Assembly.- 2.3.3 Robotics Technology.- 2.3.4 Trends in the UK and Japan.- 2.3.5 Future Potential of Robotic Assembly.- 2.3.6 References.- 2.4 What Do You Mean by Automation Ratio? Definitions by the Japanese Auto Makers.- 2.4.1 Research Questions.- 2.4.2 Types of Automation Ratios.- 2.4.3 Outline of the Survey of Automation Ratios.- 2.4.4 Results: Different Definitions of Automation Ratios by Different Firms.- 2.4.5 Implications: Multiple Indicators for Automation Ratio.- 2.4.6 References.- 3 Diversity of Approaches.- 3.1 Present State and Future Vision of Vehicle Assembly Automation in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.- 3.1.1 Introduction.- 3.1.2 Automation of Assembly Operations.- 3.1.3 Practical Examples.- 3.1.4 Conclusions.- 3.2 Development of a new Vehicle Assembly Line at Toyota: Worker-oriented, Autonomous, new Assembly System.- 3.2.1 Development Background.- 3.2.2 Development Progress and Target.- 3.2.3 Description of the Development.- 3.2.4 Results.- 3.2.3 Closing Comment.- 3.3 Modular Assembly in Mixed-Model Production at Mazda.- 3.3.1 Conventional Assembly Line.- 3.3.2 Ideal Trim and Final Assembly Line.- 3.3.3 Advantages of Modularization.- 3.3.4 Activities for Modularization.- 3.3.5 The new Hofu Plant.- 3.3.6 Summary.- 3.4 Production of the NSX at Honda: An Alternative Directionfor Assembly Organization.- 3.4.1 Introduction.- 3.4.2 NSX as an Experiment.- 3.4.3 Challenges to be met by Production Organization.- 3.4.4 Transfer.- 3.4.5 Conclusion.- 3.4.6 References.- 3.5 The Development of an Intelligent Body Assembly System.- 3.5.1 Introduction.- 3.5.2 The Current State of Flexibility.- 3.5.3 IBAS Concepts.- 3.5.4 Configuration of the IBAS Body Main Line.- 3.5.3 Fundamental Technologies of IBAS.- 3.5.6 Benefits of IBAS.- 3.5.7 Conclusion.- 3.5.8 References.- 3.6 The Opel Production System.- 3.6.1 Reasons for a new Production System.- 3.6.2 Characterization.- 3.6.3 Eisenach Plant: A Model for the Opel Production System.- 3.6.4 First Results.- 3.7 Platform and Modular Concepts at Volkswagen - Their Effects on the Assembly Process.- 3.7.1 Introduction.- 3.7.2 The VW Platform Strategy.- 3.7.3 Practical Implementation.- 3.7.4 Modular Concepts.- 3.7.5 Future Developments.- 3.8 Automation at Renault: Strategy and Form.- 3.8.1 Automation Within a Strategy for Assembly.- 3.8.2 The Form of Automation.- 3.8.3 Work Organization.- 3.8.4 Discussion.- 3.9 Building Capabilities in Assembly Automation: Fiat's Experiences from Robogate to the Melfi Plant.- 3.9.1 An Evolutionary Approach.- 3.9.2 Evolutionary Phases of Fiat's Automation Strategy.- 3.9.3 Measures and Methodological Issues.- 3.9.4 The First Phase:"Pioneering"Rigid Automation.- 3.9.5 The Second Phase:"Super"Flexible Automation.- 3.9.6 The Third Phase:"Realistic", Integrated Automation.- 3.9.7 Conclusion.- 3.9.8 References.- 3.10 The Development of a Reflective Production System Layout at Volvo's Uddevalla Car Assembly Plant.- 3.10.