Now-a-days, the fundamental motivations for implementing industrial automation are: With the rise in industrial economy, the business strategies for industrial automation have also changed over time. Initially, these independent machines had to be coordinated by a human supervisor for a smooth production process.īut with technological developments in analog and digital control systems, microprocessors and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and various sensors, it has become very easy to synchronize several independent machines and processes and achieve true industrial automation. Originally, the implementation of automation in a production process is focused on replacing a human worker with an independent machine. In the beginning, the industrial production process is based on the eyes, hands and brain of a worker, in contrast to modern day sensors, actuators and computers. The term Automation is coined by an Engineer from Ford Motor Company, who were pioneers in industrial automation and manufacturing assembly line. In the above example, there are absolutely zero human interventions and the whole task is completely carried out by the automation system. The above example may seem vague but it helps in understanding how a typical industrial automation system can be implemented. The timer in the computer will indicate once 30 minutes is up and the computer can completely shut off the system. Once the desired temperature is achieved, the valve is shutoff.īut the computer can open or close the valve, even to allow a tiniest amount of fuel to flow, based on the temperature readings. Based on the temperature readings from the sensor, the computer will open the valve to allow more fuel in the beginning. Now, there is motorized valve, which is also controlled by the computer, for the fuel to be supplied to the oven. First, there is a temperature sensor placed near the oven which reports the temperature to a computer. Now, with industrial automation, the whole process is taken care of without the help of an operator. either increase or decrease the fuel depending on the temperature for the next 30 minutes. Once the necessary temperature is achieved, it has to be maintained by constantly adjusting the valve i.e. So, the operator has to first adjust the amount of fuel to the oven by controlling a valve to rise the temperature to the desired amount. Assume the task is to reach a certain temperature and maintain that temperature for about 30 minutes.
Example to Understand Industrial AutomationĬonsider a manual industrial production process, where an operator is observing the temperature of an oven.
The above definition is definitely not a simple one to understand but let us try to understand what an industrial automation is with the help of a small example. Industrial Automation is a process of operating machines and other industrial equipment with the help of digital logical programming and reducing human intervention in decision making and manual command process with the help of mechanized equipment. There are several factors that lead to the implementation of automation system in industrial production like requirement of high-quality products, high expectations in product reliability, high-volume production etc. Today, Industrial Automation has taken over the production process in industries and it is very difficult to imagine a production line without automation systems. which come under electromechanical devices or chemical machines like ovens, dryers, chemical combustion systems etc. Here, the term “machine” can be anything like a motor, drill, conveyor belt, etc.
Since the period of industrial revolution in Britain, there has always been a significant amount of effort into developing complex techniques to help people with different tasks of production.Īn industrial production process consists of series of machines, through which a combination of raw materials goes through and transform into the final product. Advantages and Disadvantages of Industrial Automation.Levels of Industrial Automation Process.Example to Understand Industrial Automation.