• The “factory” will become an information network. Customers will participate in the design and testing of products in accordance to their specific needs. Their requirements will be communicated to computer-integrated and mobile machining, processing, and material delivery systems. No assembly lines or stationary islands of automation – virtual factories will allow for machines and production cells to automatically reconfigure themselves on the production floor in response to new orders or new product variations. Purchasing and scheduling will take place automatically as orders are received. Machines will be capable of producing a wide variety of products and parts. Fully automated systems will allow for continuous “lights-out” production, and people will be employed to maintain, program, schedule, and plan processes of change. Eventually, shared, flexible, computer-integrated production facilities may be cloned around the world for remote satellite programming to make customized products whenever and wherever they are needed for just-in-time customer delivery. Smart machines will learn when to produce parts and what parts to produce. The virtual factory may itself evolve into the reproducible factory in the future.
• Virtual engineering processes will integrate simulation, modeling, analysis, testing, diagnostic, and analytical technologies in design, production, and control functions affecting all aspects of manufacturing. Virtual reality will play a key role in permitting customer participation in design and engineering. Intelligent equipment, sensors, robotics, and smart materials will help to control quality and process flows. Manufacturers will be able to control, repair, and service their products on-line. Smart engineering systems will increase the degree of flexibility and speed up cycle times significantly. They will integrate and simplify manufacturing processes. And, they will be the key to making customization commercially viable.

New Enabling Technologies

Advances in electronics, information and communication technologies, computing capabilities, software programming, and e-business networks are already revolutionizing the business of manufacturing.

They provide the capabilities that make flexible, automated production systems, global supply chains, and global customer reach possible. New applications of information and communication technologies will continue to revolutionize manufacturing activity, including the use of advanced modeling and simulation, artificial intelligence, digital imaging, high density data storage, and virtual reality.

Other advanced technologies will also revolutionize future manufacturing capabilities, including:

• Biotechnology and genetics. Manufacturers are already working with bio-materials, creating bio-products, and using bio-processes thanks to advances in the science of genomics.
• Nano-technology. Molecular engineering is allowing manufacturers to build things from their most basic atomic structures up.