“Smart” refers to tools that are “specific, measurable, achievable,
reasonable/realistic, and time bound.” Smart assembly tools are used in many
industries, including automotive, aerospace, and space for measuring,
inspecting, gauging, drilling, and installing all existing fastening systems.
Inside the Industry 4.0 environment, these tools have a huge influence on
Information and Communication Technology (ICT), assembly cost reduction, process
control, and even the product and process quality.
These four domains—and their undefined nature—are the focus of this SAE EDGE™
Research Report. The technical issues identified here need to be discussed, the
goals clarifying the scope of the industry-wide need to be aligned, and the
issues requiring standardization need prioritized.
NOTE: SAE EDGE Research Reports are intended to identify and illuminate key
issues in emerging, but still unsettled, technologies of interest to the
mobility industry. The goal of SAE EDGE Research Reports is to stimulate
discussion and work in the hope of promoting and speeding resolution of
identified issues. SAE EDGE Research Reports are not intended to resolve the
challenges they identify or close any topic to further scrutiny.