New bottom-up algorithm for assembly plan generation: opportunities for micro-factory design

This paper discusses a new approach dedicated to assembly plan generation, called "bottom-up algorithm". It is compared to the traditional "top-down approach", usually used to perform this stage of the design process of the assembly systems for "macro-products". We explore why this new algorithm is better adapted for designing a microassembly system. The case of watch assembly plans generation is described through the both approaches and the obtained results are compared.