Industrial automation is a set of technologies that uses control systems and devices, such as computer software and robotics, to enable automatic operation of industrial processes and machinery without the need for human operators.
Industrial automation eliminates the possibility of human error, reduces costs, saves time, and achieves higher performance.
Automate industry is therefore the application of control over various processes and machine in industries by use of computers or robots. It represent the second step after mechanization in the process of industrialization.
Improve Quality and Versatility of Your Production Line
First the rationale behind automation was the need to have higher productivity as the automated systems run day and night and the cost related to operators such as wages and benefits. However, compared with the earlier times, today the objectives of automation have been changed to improve the quality of material production and flexibility of the manufacturing process.
In the automotive industry, the process of fitting pistons into an engine, was done manually which had an error rate of 1-1. 5%.
Currently, this task is accomplished with the help of automatic equipment and the frequency of errors does not exceed 0. 00001%.
4 Types of Automations
Types of automations that has been averted in manufacturing comprise of
- Fixed Automation,
- Programmed Automation,
- Flexibilities Automation, and
- Integrated Automation.
Fixed Automation
Fixed Automations Systems operate at once all day at the same rate with no variation, they restrict operations on the systems to be modified whereas Variable Automation Systems allows for modification.
These systems are generally associated with manufacturing or food service industries as the high volume of products produced is one of the determining factors for success and efficiency of restaurants.
Programmable Automation
In an extremely state-of-art manner, even the pattern of operations and the equipments can be remotely controlled in the sense of a Programmable Automation System.
Due to this technique taking much time to reprogram the machines, it is mostly applied in organizations that use batch process production in a bid to enhance productivity.
Flexible Automation
A FMS is frequently driven by computers and it is normally applied where the product is changing often.
Taking into consideration of the code that an operator provides to a computer, it gets the appropriate tools or equipment that are required for the production of different effects- just as in the case of possibilities of any numbered of versions of a particular car model depending on its year of production or trim level.
CNC machines are one of the best examples of this system or technique.
Integrated Automation
Integrated Automation System is equipment with its process and data that coordinate with each other through the controller so as to establish automation of a production system.
In other words, it is when you perform your work through CAD software instead of people or when you have robot or computer to perform your work.
Advantages of Industrial Automation
- Lower Operating Cost
- High Productivity
- High Quality
- High Flexibility
- High Information Accuracy
- High Safety
Disadvantages of Industrial Automation
High Initial Cost