"Truly flexible automation of -low volume, -high value per part components, -managing quality assurance aspect throughout the value chain is a key research area for the manufacturing and production community in Europe. The FLEXA project has identified key elements for delivering advancement in this area. The key areas of research will be; cell design solutions in line with product design decisions; fusion of knowledge generated in manufacturing through a rigorous data management structure; virtual manufacturing and automated off line preparation including quality assurance; human-machine interaction and restart capabilities. The FLEXA object will be: To create the tools, methods and technologies needed to define, prepare and validate an automated flexible cell that can manufacture a generic process chain allowing for safe human interaction and deliver quality assured parts for the European aero space industry. Meeting this objective will be a major challenge for the consortium members. All members are committed to contribute with dedicated, competent and skilled people. The project proposes to significantly contribute to the long term objectives for European aero industry, i.e. to deliver technology readiness by 2020 towards the following three subjects: Reduce aircraft development costs by 50%, Create a competitive supply chain able to halve time to market, Reduce travel charges FLEXA is delivering: - Knowledge based manufacturing through reuse of manufacturing information; -10% reduced engine development time; -5% lower engine development cost. : -20% decrease in manufacturing preparation lead time; -50% fewer prototypes in manufacturing preparation phases; -15% less scrap during component development; -Virtual tools for prediction and preparation of manufacturing. : -30% lower product cost; -2 times increased production rate with same process equipment; -25% less scrap during component manufacturing."