TY - JOUR AB - Purpose– This paper aims to describe a new methodology for controlling highly flexible automated manufacturing cells for use in aerospace manufacturing and repair. Design/methodology/approach– The design methodology and rational of the FLEXA control architecture are described along with it implementation and testing. Findings– The trials completed so far show that the level of flexibility required can be achieved both at factory, or enterprise level, and at shop floor level. Practical implications– This work has significant practical implications through its direct applicability for aerospace and other automated manufacturing processes. Originality/value– The originality of the paper lies in the truly flexible nature of the control system described and its ability to mimic traditional cell control architectures but be expanded through the use of virtual Programmable Logic Controller to control any number of cells without the need for significant extra hardware. VL - 87 IS - 2 SN - 0002-2667 DO - 10.1108/AEAT-11-2012-0204 UR - https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-11-2012-0204 AU - Webb Philip AU - Asif Seemal AU - Hogger Susanne AU - Kosche Thomas AU - Kiernan Paul ED - Prof Richard Degenhardt, Dr Leslie J. Cohen PY - 2015 Y1 - 2015/01/01 TI - Advanced flexible automation cell control for aerospace manufacturing T2 - Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal PB - Emerald Group Publishing Limited SP - 156 EP - 164 Y2 - 2024/05/05 ER -