Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system for assembling various types of vehicle bodies is disclosed. The system includes a work supply means by which corresponding works for the various types of vehicle bodies are supplied, a main body assembling device which includes a plurality of locating and welding robots of numerical control type and control means for controlling operation of the robots in a programmed manner so that the various types of vehicle bodies are continuously assembled in order. A method for controlling the system comprises (a) sensing a trouble which would occur in any of the robots, (b) stopping the robot in trouble, and (c) controlling operation of the other robots in such a manner that at least one of the types of vehicle bodies is assembled by the remaining robots.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for assembling a vehicle body is disclosed, which uses a laser welding equipment to join panels of a vehicle body main part. The panels are located and held by a gauge portion of a workpiece supporting jig and are welded at a held portion by means of a laser beam conducted through the workpiece supporting jig.

Abstract: In a system for integrally controlling an automatic transmission and an engine, an apparatus for controlling the automatic transmission and an apparatus for controlling the engine are formed separately from each other to reduce size and cost, and to facilitate the mounting of control means onto a vehicle. Further, if trouble occurs in this communication system between the engine control apparatus and the automatic transmission control apparatus countermeasures are properly performed, and a trouble is reduced as much as possible.

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus for a continuously variable transmission the speed ratio and/or the rate of variation in the speed ratio of which are controlled by a shift-regulating device controlled by command signals from a control system.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) for use in a vehicle is controlled such that an actual engine speed Ne is equalized to a desired engine speed No. When a driver's request for a rapid speed change of the vehicle is addressed, a desired engine speed Ns for steady state or the desired engine speed No before the request is detected is defined as a first value Nc1. While the request continues the desired engine speed Ns for steady state which is determined by current values of vehicle running parameters is defined as a second value Nc2. The product B.multidot.(Nc2-Nc1) of a constant B and Nc2 minus Nc1 is calculated and defined as a desired engine speed during the request.