Abstract: Efficient manufacturing automation system and methods are described. The automation system controls movement of materials for processing by tools in a manufacturing facility. The system and methods include pre-emptive dispatching for transferring of materials. With the pre-emptive dispatching, the next destination and next lot to be processed is determined prior to a first lot being converted to a ready to unload state. This reduces wait time or idle time to improve tool utilization.

Abstract: A photobioreactor (100) comprises a base (110); a supportive frame (120) extending upwardly from the base; a plurality of trays (130) for culturing phototropic microorganisms, ranking vertically from a uppermost tray to a bottommost tray, supported co-axially on the supportive frame (120) and spaced apart one and other in a predetermined gap at the vertical plane to optimize exposure to a light source; and a protective member (140) located on top of the uppermost tray by mounting onto the supportive frame (120) wherein the plurality of trays (130) and the protective member (140) are made of light permeable material.

Abstract: An efficient manufacturing automation system and method is described. The system and method include bays, with each bay having a group of tools. Temporary storage locations are provided. A transport system facilitates movement of materials from the tools. The system and method enable direct transfer of materials from a first tool to a second tool or transfer of materials from a first tool to a temporary storage location when a second tool is unavailable.

Abstract: Efficient manufacturing automation system and methods are described. The automation system controls movement of materials for processing by tools in a manufacturing facility. The system and methods include pre-emptive dispatching for transferring of materials. With the pre-emptive dispatching, the next destination and next lot to be processed is determined prior to a first lot being converted to a ready to unload state. This reduces wait time or idle time to improve tool utilization.

Abstract: A manufacturing system includes an event trigger to a primary server and a schedule server, forming a control job by the primary server and the schedule server, checks status (such as an end value trigger) of the primary server with a delay by the schedule server, and validating the status of the primary server with a validation process before the schedule server transmits the control job.

Abstract: An efficient manufacturing automation system and method is described. The system and method include bays, with each bay having a group of tools. Temporary storage locations are provided. A transport system facilitates movement of materials from the tools. The system and method enable direct transfer of materials from a first tool to a second tool or transfer of materials from a first tool to a temporary storage location when a second tool is unavailable.