Modular design for increasing assembly automation

Modular design can address the need for a high number of product variants and further allow a higher degree of automation in the assembly line. A framework is developed for the simultaneous modular product design and the design of automated manufacturing system. Product designs are optimized for automation using Design Structure Matrix and Modular Function Deployment. Alternative production systems are designed and accessed based on the analysis of assembly steps hierarchically. The implementation of the framework on the design of a production system for furniture assembly, able to handle multiple variants with a large number of components, is demonstrated.