A Complex Take into the Autonomous Supply Process to Workplaces in Manufacturing Companies: A Particular Case Study Supported by the Use of Tecnomatix Plant Simulation

The increasing demand for enhanced efficiency and agility in manufacturing operations has driven a paradigm shift toward autonomous production systems. This paper presents a practical approach and solution aimed at achieving an autonomous supply process within a given internal logistic segment of a key international manufacturing company. Beyond the theoretical concepts and discussions, this paper successfully bridges the gap between theory and practice by implementing an autonomous supply system in an actual production environment. Additionally, a simulation model, developed using Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, is utilized to partially validate the system's feasibility, reliability, and efficiency. The primary objectives of this research included the creation of an autonomous supply operation, the simulation model development and the analysis and evaluation of the obtained results. It was also a vital goal of this research to carry out the practical implementation of the autonomous supply system in the company under study, while at the same time real-world challenges, such as integration with existing production processes, hardware deployment, and workforce training, were also addressed. The content of this paper may also serve as a useful resource for manufacturing professionals, researchers, and practitioners seeking to adopt autonomous supply solutions in their logistic processes. The transition from theory to practical implementation, along with the integration of Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, underscores the significance of this work in advancing the understanding and challenges of the practical implementation of autonomous manufacturing systems.