Co-evolution hypotheses and model for manufacturing planning

It is desirable to prolong manufacturing systems life and use them for many product generations. The matched evolution course of co-evolving biological species demonstrates their symbiotic interdependency. Analogously, this hypothesis forms the foundation of a new co-evolution model in manufacturing between products design and manufacturing capabilities which is mathematically formulated and interpreted using parsimony analysis of cladograms. The model is validated using case studies involving assembly of automotive engine accessories. The new co-evolution model supports a more efficient co-development of products and manufacturing capabilities, links their past generations to the present and identifies their promising future evolution directions. (C) 2010 CIRP.