Intelligent production technology - Future-oriented vision or industrial reality

The following paper is a shea version of the plenary paper presented as an introduction and overview of the Conference ''Tntelligent Production Systems-Solid Freeform Manufacturing''. One aim is the explanation of the new epoch of advanced manufacturing technology characterized especially by the higher degree of machine intelligence. Another important aspect is the great influence of all activities in the areas of product development and manufacturing. The solid freeform manufacturing procedures are not only to be understood as some additional new manufacturing processes. Rather it is necessary to utilize all given possibilities from various user points of view.