Abstract: A workpiece manufacturing facility includes a plurality of workstations capable of performing work on a workpiece to dimensionally advance a configuration of the workpiece. A plurality of assembly stations is capable of assembling components of the workpiece to the workpiece. A carrier is moveable between any of the work stations and between any of the assembly stations. The carrier transports at least one workpiece between at least one work station and at least one assembly station. The carrier includes a robotic manipulator capable of introducing the workpiece to the workstations and the assembly stations in a dimensionally accurate position and the robotic manipulator is capable of performing work on the workpiece.

Abstract: A manufacturing system including an apparatus in which a plurality differently configured workpieces requiring manufacturing operations are processed. The apparatus includes a work surface configured to receive apparatus components and a plurality of differently configured workpieces, a tool table adjacent the work surface providing support for tooling and apparatus components required to process various manufacturing operations on the workpieces, and a robotic manipulator positioned adjacent to the work surface and the tool table and having a gripping device configured to grip at least one of the apparatus components. Also, an automated feed system optionally included in the system for supplying component parts to the manufacturing operation. Also, a method of assembling first and second differently configured workpieces.