Machine tools become much more than just a lathe or milling machine

Purpose - To review the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago with emphasis on innovations in applying automation to manufacturing and assembly. Design/methodology/approach - In-depth interviews with exhibitors of automated assembly and manufacturing technology. Findings - Building of production machinery is moving toward offering automated assembly or production cells and away from building single purpose equipment. Robots are married to machine tools for much more than just tending. Practical implications - Users in almost any manufacturing realm will find that automated assembly technologies are now addressing all types of production requirements. No longer is it necessary to think only million off part runs can be produced in an automated manner Machine tool builders are including testing, finishing, marking, assembly and other secondary operations within the basic machining unit for a wide range of production volumes. Originality/value - Illustrates that automation can even be applied to "made to order" type production.