Modelling evolution in manufacturing: A biological analogy

Hoda ElMaraghy*, Tarek AlGeddawy, Ahmed Azab

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

67 Scopus citations

Abstract

Manufacturing systems evolved over time due to products evolution, changes in market demands, technological advances and emergence of new innovations and designs. All terminology used in conjunction with this evolution to date are synonymous with change. A new classification of the various terms used in the context of manufacturing systems evolution and their definitions, inspired by the evolution manifested in nature, are introduced. An innovative mapping between the evolution of manufactured products and biological evolution is proposed where cladistics are used to track such evolution. A typical industrial example is used for illustration. The significance and applications of this approach are discussed. The obtained results provide a promising foundation for future research in products and manufacturing systems evolution and co-evolution.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)467-472
Number of pages6
JournalCIRP Annals - Manufacturing Technology
Volume57
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cladistics
  • Manufacturing
  • Product

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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