Automation, a manufacturing system designed to use the ability of machines to perform certain tasks previously performed by humans, and to control the sequence of operations without human intervention. The term automation has also been used to describe non-manufacturing systems in which programmed or automatic devices can operate independently or semi-independently of human control.
Automation goals
- Improve the productivity of the company, reducing the costs of production and improving the quality of the same. Improve the working conditions of the personnel, eliminating laborious tasks and increasing security. Performing operations impossible to control intellectually or manually. Product availability, being able to supply the necessary quantities at the right time. Simplify maintenance so that the operator does not require extensive knowledge to manipulate the production process. Integrate management and production.
An automated system consists of two main parts:
The Operating Part is the part that acts directly on the machine. They are the elements that make the machine move and perform the desired operation. The elements that make up the operational part are the actuators of the machines such as motors, cylinders, compressors and the sensors such as photodiodes, limit switches.
The Command Part is usually a programmable automaton (programmed technology), although until recently electromagnetic relays, electronic cards, or pneumatic logic modules (wired technology) were used. In an automated manufacturing system the programmable controller is at the center of the system. It must be able to communicate with all the constituents of the automated system.
Robotics and automation
Automation and robotics are two closely related technologies. In an industrial context, automation can be defined as a technology that is related to the use of mechanical-electrical systems based on computers for the operation and control of production. Consequently robotics is a form of industrial automation.
There are three very broad classes of industrial automation:
- Fixed Automation, Programmable Automation, and Flexible Automation.
Fixed automation is used when the production volume is very high, and therefore the high cost of designing specialized equipment to process the product can be economically justified, with high performance and high production rates. In addition to this, another drawback of fixed automation is its life cycle that is according to the validity of the product on the market.
Programmable automation is used when the production volume is relatively low and there is a diversity of production to obtain. In this case, the production equipment is designed to adapt to variations in product configuration; This adaptation is carried out by means of a program (Software).
For its part, flexible automation is more suitable for a medium production range. These flexible systems have characteristics of fixed automation and programmed automation.
Flexible systems are usually made up of a series of interconnected workstations with storage and material handling systems, controlled as a whole by a computer.
Of the three types of automation, robotics most closely matches programmable automation.
Automation Types
There are five ways to automate in modern industry, so each situation must be analyzed in order to correctly decide on the most appropriate scheme.
The types of automation are:
- Automatic Process ControlElectronic Data ProcessingFixed AutomationComputerized Numerical ControlFlexible Automation.
Automatic Process Control, usually refers to the management of processes characterized by various types of changes (generally chemical and physical); An example of this could be the oil refining process.
The Electronic Data Process is frequently related to information systems, computer centers, etc. However, at present it is also considered within this the collection, analysis and recording of data through interfaces and computers.
Fixed Automation is that associated with the use of logical systems such as: relay systems and logic gates; However, these systems have been made more flexible by introducing some programming elements, as in the case of (PLC'S) or Programmable Logic Controllers.
