Automation
Introduction
Automation refers to the use of control systems and information technologies to reduce the need for human work in the production of goods and services. In the scope of industrialization, automation is a step beyond mechanization. While mechanization provides human operators with machinery to assist them with the muscular requirements of work, automation greatly decreases the need for human sensory and mental requirements as well.
History
The history of automation dates back to the industrial revolution when machines were developed to perform certain tasks previously done by humans. The term "automation" itself was coined in the 1940s by the engineers of the Ford Motor Co. to describe the automatic handling of parts on a conveyor belt.
Types of Automation
There are various types of automation, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. These include fixed automation, programmable automation, and flexible automation.
Fixed Automation
Fixed automation, also known as "hard automation," refers to an automated production facility in which the sequence of processing operations is fixed by the equipment configuration. Examples of fixed automation include assembly lines and certain types of manufacturing processes.
Programmable Automation
In programmable automation, the production equipment is designed with the capability to change the sequence of operations to accommodate different product configurations. The operation sequence is controlled by a program, which is a set of instructions coded so that the system can read and interpret them.
Flexible Automation
Flexible automation is an extension of programmable automation. The disadvantage with programmable automation is the time required to reprogram and change over the production equipment for each batch of new product. Flexible automation is designed to eliminate this time. It is capable of producing a variety of products with virtually no time lost for changeovers from one product to the next. The system is capable of recognizing and reacting to the differences among the products being produced.
Applications of Automation
Automation has been applied in a wide range of areas. These include manufacturing, transport, utilities, defense, facilities, operations and lately, information technology.
Manufacturing
In manufacturing, automation is used to produce goods on a large scale. Automated systems can produce higher quality products more efficiently and at a lower cost than manual systems. Automation systems are also used in the handling of materials and the control of quality.
Transport
In transport, automation is used in a variety of ways. Automated systems are used in traffic control, in modern aircraft, in railway systems, in ship navigation, and in certain motor vehicle operations.
Utilities
Automation is used in utilities such as power, water, and gas. Automated systems are used in the control of power generation, in power system control, in the operation of water and gas systems, and in the control of heating and cooling systems.
Defense
In defense, automation is used in the control of weapons systems, in the control of surveillance systems, and in the control of command and control systems.
Information Technology
In information technology, automation is used in data processing, in software development and testing, and in decision-making systems.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Automation
Like any technology, automation has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
Automation can significantly increase the productivity of manufacturing, reduce lead time by reducing the time required for a product to go through the system, and reduce the amount of labor required to produce a product. It can also improve quality and precision, reduce material waste, and improve safety, as dangerous tasks can be performed by machines.
Disadvantages
However, automation can also be expensive to implement and maintain. It can lead to job displacement, as tasks previously performed by humans are taken over by machines. Additionally, there is a risk of system failure, which can halt production and lead to significant losses.
Future of Automation
The future of automation is largely dependent on technological advancements. With the advent of artificial intelligence and machine learning, automation is expected to become even more prevalent in the future. It is predicted that automation will continue to replace manual and clerical jobs, but it will also create new jobs that require more complex skills.