Evolvable assembly systems: coping with variations through evolution

PurposeThe main features of evolvable systems include distributed control, a modularized, intelligent and open architecture, a comprehensive and multi‐dimensional methodological support that comprises the reference architecture. Furthermore, integration of legacy subsystems and modules has been addressed in the methodology. This paper aims to present the latest developments, applications and conclusions drawn to date.Design/methodology/approachEvolvable assembly system is a new methodology in itself, and is currently being applied within several European projects. Evolvable assembly goes beyond reconfigurability and offers continuous evolution of the system.FindingsThe work has been, and is being, implemented through large European research projects. Evolvability, being a system concept, is envisaged addressing every aspect of an assembly system throughout its life cycle, i.e. design and development, operation and evolution.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper presents the latest developments, applications and conclusions drawn to date.Originality/valueThe paper presents the methodology and the latest application of it, which is industrial. This is the first application that offers self‐configuration of the equipment.