Soon after, the optimized assembly method was adopted by other industries.

By the middle of the twentieth century, assembly lines were found in a variety of industries other than discrete manufacturing, such as chemicals, oil, and other continuous manufacturing industries.

Today, the assembly line–or, at the very least, a more sophisticated iteration of motor assembly lines & conveyors is a common sight in manufacturing across a wide range of industries and product specializations.
 

With the introduction of automation, the Assembly Lines System has evolved.
 

Some manufacturing processes became significantly more efficient as a result of the introduction of assembly lines, but some manufacturers sought new ways to improve accuracy and reduce costs.

As various forms of automation became more sophisticated over the course of the twentieth century, manufacturers began incorporating them into their production processes. Automated tools began to gradually take over simple, repetitive tasks as time went on. As assembly lines became more automated, the amount of labor on the line increased significantly.

While there are examples of fully automated assembly lines, the vast majority of assembly lines are a combination of human and automated labor. People complete the assembly tasks that are too delicate or complex for machines, and robots complete the work that is too repetitive, dangerous, or error-prone for humans to complete.

The Importance of the Assembly Lines System's Legacy

So, what was made possible by the Assembly Lines System in the first place?
 

• Production in large quantities

• Enhanced safety in the workplace

• Automobiles with a price tag geared toward the general public.

• Enhanced the position of the United States as an economic superpower.

• For much of the twentieth century, workers received higher wages.
   

The 's long-term viability

Similar to how the invention of steam power sparked an industrial revolution in the 18th century, digital technologies are now igniting a new industrial revolution in the twenty-first century.

The temptation to envision the  of the future as a fully automated endeavor is strong; however, the reality is a little more complicated.

It is less automation and more increased visibility into industrial processes that will bring about the most significant advancements in  manufacturing.

Modern assembly lines, in fact, are close collaborations between humans and machines, coordinated by applications that are similar to those found on a smartphone or tablet.