Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for the automated assembly of individual tiles on a surface in a predetermined pattern. In one exemplary embodiment, an automated apparatus comprises a tile dispenser with an open ended shoe portion adapted for holding a stack of regularly shaped tiles, and a tile advancement mechanism for incrementally advancing tiles in the shoe toward the open end thereof. The automated apparatus may further comprise a robotic mechanism adapted to retrieve a tile from the end of the tile stack, and place the tile on the surface.

Abstract: An expert manufacturing system generates a manufacturing plan for producing a part in an automated manufacturing system. The expert manufacturing system generates a multipurpose manufacturing geometry definitions file. The expert manufacturing system includes a rule-based expert system which uses the manufacturing geometry definitions file to generate the manufacturing plan in the form of a neutral source code file. The neutral source code is converted to machine-specific program code directly executable by a device controller, such as a logic controller or motion controller. The expert manufacturing system also includes a parametric drawing generation program for generating drawing of the part, and a computer simulation program for simulating the manufacturing plan for producing the part.