TV Guide: Understanding

Video: Understanding: Manufacturing Dolls

Discovery Channel — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:06:58 -0500

Witness the making and assembly of doll parts utilizing rubberized plastic and a rotomold machine at a Chinese factory.

Video: Understanding: Computer Chip Based Car Engines

Discovery Channel — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:06:58 -0500

Engine and fuel functions previously controlled by mechanical and vacuum connections now are all controlled by computer.

Video: Understanding: The Rise of Toyota

Discovery Channel — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:06:58 -0500

After World War II bombings, Japanese factories had to regroup. Toyota revolutionized the industry as it streamlined its production schedule.

Video: Understanding: Manufacturing Makeup

Discovery Channel — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:06:58 -0500

Witness the creation of ruby red lipstick and other makeup products at the Smashbox Cosmetics Factory.

Video: Understanding: China - Christmas in July

Discovery Channel — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:06:58 -0500

In order to ready itself for the U.S. Christmas holiday, toy factories in China ramp up their production in July. Watch a factory at work as they assemble dolls.

Video: Understanding: Robots - Mass Customization

Discovery Channel — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:06:58 -0500

Watch and see how robots play a major role in speeding up the manufacturing process of mass customization.

Video: Understanding: China - Manufacturing Economic Zones

Discovery Channel — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:06:58 -0500

As manufacturing becomes prominent in China, millions of workers relocate from rural areas to factory towns such as Shenzhen and Guangdong.

Video: Understanding: Manufacturing Automobile Seats

Discovery Channel — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:06:58 -0500

Taking a cue from Japanese manufacturers, American automobile plants adopt a "just in time" production schedule. Watch one Virgina plant as they manufacture automobile seats.

Video: Understanding: The Beginnings of the Car

Discovery Channel — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:06:58 -0500

As early as 1868 there was a major public interest in a mechanical substitute for the horse, one of the reasons America fell in love with the car so easily and quickly

Video: Understanding: Poka-Yoke and Chaku-Chaku

Discovery Channel — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:06:58 -0500

Japanese automobile manufacturing methods are adopted by American competitors. Watch the concept of poka-yoke, meaning "correct" and chaku-chaku, meaning "one worker, several tasks" in the manufacture of rear view mirrors.