1 Introduction. - Evolution of computer aided manufacture (CAM). - Automation and CAM. - 2 Numerical control. - History of numerical control. - The conventional numerical control concept. - programming. - Real-time control of machine tools. - 3 Computer technology. - Computer assisted programming. - Automatic programmed tooling (APT). - Adaptive control. - Machinability data banks. - 4 Communications networking. - Conventional ways of connecting terminals. - Uses of computer networks. - Local area networks (LANs). - Wide area networks (WANs). - Network architecture: protocols and standards. - Data transmission. - 5 Computer process control monitoring. - Information provided by monitoring. - Supervisory computer control. - Communications networks for factory monitoring. - Programmable logic controllers (PLCs). - Input/output interfaces. - Shop floor information systems. - 6 The integration of CAD and CAM. - The evolution of CADCAM. - The concept of integration. - Fundamentals of CAD. - CAM software. - CADCAM database. - Where does CADCAM improve productivity?. - Defining CADCAM project objectives. - Procedures to be followed in a CADCAM implementation. - 7 Robotics technology and applications. - Definition of an industrial robot. - Basic components of industrial robots. - Robot performance characteristics. - Commercial robots. - Future developments. - Problem areas. - Future trends. - 8 Flexible manufacturing systems. - The growth of flexible processing and handling. - FMS characteristics. - Flexibility. - Computer control functions. - Material handling in the FMS. - FMS-GT connection. - Prospects for FMS in UK industry. - 9 Computer aided production management. - Objectives of CAPM. - Functions of CAPM. - Stock recording and control. - Material requirements planning (MRP). - Capacity requirements planning (CRP). - Process planning. - CAPM package systems. - Cost estimation and financial justification of CAPM. - The effects of CAPM on the UK manufacturing industry. - Computer integrated manufacturing. - 10 Artificial intelligence in manufacturing. - Fifth generation computer systems. - Expert systems. - Expert system languages. - Problem solving and planning. - Diagnostic problems. - Application of AI in engineering design and manufacture. - Application of AI in computer aided process planning. - Limitations of existing AI applications. - Management guidelines towards AI implementation. - The future for artificial intelligence. - Research directions for AI in manufacturing. - References and Bibliography. Language: English