Automotive assembly lines have operated the same way for a century. Each worker takes charge of a single process and installs parts in vehicles as they move on a chain-driven or skillet conveyor.
Honda Motor Co. engineers have come up with an innovative alternative that incorporates a flowing-cell production system. The assembly revolution cell (ARC) line consists of a moving conveyor unit that carries one vehicle and a complete set of sequenced parts. Four assemblers step aboard each platform and ride around the U-shaped cell until a vehicle is assembled.