Automation
(ancient Greek: = self dictated) or industrial automation is the use of
computers to control industrial machinery
and processes, replacing
human operators. It is a step beyond mechanization, where human operators are
provided with machinery to help them in their jobs. The most visible part of
automation can be said to be industrial robotics.
The
implementation of processes by automatic means; the theory, art or technique of
making a process more automatic; the investigation, design, development and
application of methods for rendering processes automatic, self-moving or
self-controlling; the conversion of a procedure, a process or equipment to
automatic operation.
· The act of implementing the
control of equipment with advanced technology; usually involving electronic hardware; "automation replaces human workers by machines"
· The condition of being
automatically operated or controlled; "automation increases
productivity"
· Equipment used to achieve
automatic control or operation; "this factory floor is a showcase for
automation and robotic equipment"
Advantage
of automation
·
Absolute control of speed
and position
·
Repeatability of moves
·
Coordinating multiple piece
moves
·
Offline editing and
simulation
·
Moving pieces in
complicated paths
·
Reduced manual handling
·
Repeating moves
indefinitely
·
Automatic safety checking
·
Improved efficiency
·
Safe movement of a single
piece controlled
Steps
involved in process of automation
Selection
of automation machine
First of
all for automation we have to select these machines, which are self regulated,
and the finished or semi-finished product should be passed out or to next
machine without the touch of hand. For example there are machines into which
you put a coin and coke bottle or ticket pops out. If the product is in
semi-finished stage the next machines lifts it all by itself and does the next
process on it. The entire product may be finished by a single machine or may
require dozen of, more for the purpose.
Control
of quality
After the
selection of machine the next step is to decide what product is to be
manufactured and what form. Once this is determined the machine is accordingly
fitted and the product of uniform quality is produced. Use of computer In
earlier technology the automatic machines were looked after by men but now even
the control and computers do operation of machines.
