Reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMSs) are a new paradigm in manufacturing designed for rapid adjustment of production capacity and functionality in response to changing market conditions. This article reviews manufacturing techniques and introduces RMSs, which are essential for future manufacturing. The paper defines RMSs, outlines available manufacturing techniques, their drivers, enablers, impacts, achievements, and limitations. It provides a historical review of manufacturing, considering major developments in market, technology, and science. The new requirements for manufacturing are discussed, along with the characteristics of RMSs and their key role in future manufacturing. The paper concludes with a review of specific technologies and research issues related to RMSs. Keywords: Reconfigurable manufacturing systems, manufacturing systems, system characteristics, system design, machine design, ramp-up time reduction The manufacturing environment is characterized by global competition and rapid technological changes, requiring production systems that are easily upgradable and can integrate new technologies and functions. A responsive manufacturing approach is needed to enable the quick launch of new product models, rapid adjustment of manufacturing system capacity to market demands, rapid integration of new functions and technologies into existing systems, and easy adaptation to variable product quantities for niche marketing. Manufacturing systems for this approach must be rapidly designed, capable of quickly converting to the production of new models, adjusting capacity quickly, and integrating technology to produce a variety of products in unpredictable quantities. Table 1 summarizes major manufacturing paradigms and their definitions, while Figure 1 shows their economic objectives. Mass production systems focused on reducing product cost, while lean manufacturing emphasized continuous improvement in product quality and cost reduction. Flexible manufacturing systems allow the production of a variety of products on the same system, but have met with limited success due to high costs, inadequate software, low reliability, and obsolescence. The high risk of flexible production systems becoming obsolete is a major concern for manufacturers. Advances in computers, information, processing, controls, optics, high-speed motors, linear drives, and materials occur in cycles as short as six months, making obsolescence a significant challenge.Reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMSs) are a new paradigm in manufacturing designed for rapid adjustment of production capacity and functionality in response to changing market conditions. This article reviews manufacturing techniques and introduces RMSs, which are essential for future manufacturing. The paper defines RMSs, outlines available manufacturing techniques, their drivers, enablers, impacts, achievements, and limitations. It provides a historical review of manufacturing, considering major developments in market, technology, and science. The new requirements for manufacturing are discussed, along with the characteristics of RMSs and their key role in future manufacturing. The paper concludes with a review of specific technologies and research issues related to RMSs. Keywords: Reconfigurable manufacturing systems, manufacturing systems, system characteristics, system design, machine design, ramp-up time reduction The manufacturing environment is characterized by global competition and rapid technological changes, requiring production systems that are easily upgradable and can integrate new technologies and functions. A responsive manufacturing approach is needed to enable the quick launch of new product models, rapid adjustment of manufacturing system capacity to market demands, rapid integration of new functions and technologies into existing systems, and easy adaptation to variable product quantities for niche marketing. Manufacturing systems for this approach must be rapidly designed, capable of quickly converting to the production of new models, adjusting capacity quickly, and integrating technology to produce a variety of products in unpredictable quantities. Table 1 summarizes major manufacturing paradigms and their definitions, while Figure 1 shows their economic objectives. Mass production systems focused on reducing product cost, while lean manufacturing emphasized continuous improvement in product quality and cost reduction. Flexible manufacturing systems allow the production of a variety of products on the same system, but have met with limited success due to high costs, inadequate software, low reliability, and obsolescence. The high risk of flexible production systems becoming obsolete is a major concern for manufacturers. Advances in computers, information, processing, controls, optics, high-speed motors, linear drives, and materials occur in cycles as short as six months, making obsolescence a significant challenge.