This sounds an awful lot like how semiconductor manufacturing works. I see direct mappings to FOUPs, AMHS robots and reticle pods.
FOUP = thing that holds the PCB.
AMHS = thing that moves the PCB.
Reticle Pod = The thing that holds the component(s) that can add value to the PCB.
You can create a much more capable factory if you trade a fixed, serial line for a scheduling and logistics problem. Assuming your logistics and robots are capable enough, this can provide enormous uplift in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing.
For example, running a test lot (up to 25 wafers) through a modern semiconductor plant is almost a trivial affair. It is like a leaf floating down a river if the scheduling systems are well engineered. I suspect CircuitHub is attempting to leverage similar dynamics.
FOUP = thing that holds the PCB.
AMHS = thing that moves the PCB.
Reticle Pod = The thing that holds the component(s) that can add value to the PCB.
You can create a much more capable factory if you trade a fixed, serial line for a scheduling and logistics problem. Assuming your logistics and robots are capable enough, this can provide enormous uplift in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing.
For example, running a test lot (up to 25 wafers) through a modern semiconductor plant is almost a trivial affair. It is like a leaf floating down a river if the scheduling systems are well engineered. I suspect CircuitHub is attempting to leverage similar dynamics.