Usually multiple cells from different companies make up a whole product line

Ah, so modularity is the key idea being practiceded then?

Yes

One 'cell' or 'module' is combined with others

To make your product

Makes sense

But a widget machine type thing would come along in the future

So you can then purchase 3 "Wheel assembly cells"

and you would be able to make 3 lines

because they are all identical

why aren't automated fast food joints a widespread thing yet?

and could all work in the same way on your three existing lines

Hence, Cell

As time progresses and we get better and understand more things, the cells will become more compact and if history has taught us anything, more specialised

They are all self contained and controlled units, however they may all be overseen by a SCADA system

So essentially they would all be Distributed control systems

Makes sense. You combine your modules which are controlled by your CPU.

Companies spend 300k+ on a attaching a cover to a component

and then palletising it

Just very fast and very efficiently

Wow

However you'd never believe how complex they can be to make

I love watching them machines

I would

Ex prod engineer

Especially when you have to assemble a part that was never designed to be automated

I'm aware of how simple things become complex

that is the pain in the ass

Mmmm

First thing about automation

Robots don't know where they are, they cant feel and make instinctive choices like humans

you need to tell them EVERYTHING

That's all computing

First thing about computers you mean.

Think about screwing in a screw

you know by your hand if it;s slightly off

and youd adjust

a robot cant

They're the most autistic things possible

Simple simple things like that

They do exactly what you say, to the letter.