Automation technology is reshaping the commercial and industrial worlds by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of their processing activities. More colleges are offering degrees in this field to keep up with the demand for trained technicians and managers. Contact us today for more information.
Industries such as chemicals, natural gas, petroleum, pharmaceutics, plastics, water treatment, and waste-water treatment all depend on automation technology. It produces higher-quality products, less material waste, fewer human errors, and higher profits. To remain competitive on a global scale, companies must use the most advanced automation technology available.
What Is Automation Technology?
Industrial automation technology is the application and control of machinery and processes by autonomous systems like robotics, AI, computers, and information technology. Automation replaces many processing activities formerly carried out by humans. Its advantages include:
- Improves productivity and worker safety
- Performs repetitive tasks faster and with fewer errors
- Allows people to work on higher-level and less mundane tasks
- Improves accuracy and quality of manufactured parts and products
- Increases the overall effectiveness and efficiency of operations
- Reduces material waste and improves recycling
- Increases company profits by reducing costs
Automation is critical for meeting consumer and commercial demand and global competition. As more countries use automation for manufacturing products and cheap human labor, U.S. companies must automate or fall behind. All automation technologies and systems must be reliable, robust, and stable in their performance.
Fundamental Concepts
Automation is used for industrial manufacturing, assembly, material handling, quality control, packaging, and safety. The fundamental concepts of automation technology include:
- Input and Output Devices – Input devices provide data and control signals to an information processing system (IPS) such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) or another mechanism like a sensor. Output devices act on data processing results carried out by an IPS. It translates the processing into actions required by the automation equipment. These devices are generally called actuators.
- Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) – A PLC is a digital processor used to control automated equipment. It monitors input lines from sensors and provides an action command to react to the input signals.
- Robotics – Robotics are the result of the evolution of automated equipment. They are used to mimic the actions of human operators. Most industrial robots use a single arm that moves under the control of a sophisticated system while others have their control package.
- Safety Devices – These devices are used to protect workers while operating, maintaining, or replacing parts on equipment. They include door switches, laser scanners, natural gas detection, and fire detection.
Automation Technology In Industry
Have you ever wondered how extensive the use of robotics is? Globally, there are more than three million industrial robots used in factories. Examples of the type of work they do include:
- Assembling products
- Dispensing liquids
- Inventory management
- Packaging products
- Painting cars
- Polishing parts
- Stacking boxes
- Welding components
Other common uses of industrial automation include 3D printing and CNC machining. A computer design uses 3D printing to create parts and components. It replaces conventional manufacturing processes using faster and more accurate technology.
CNC machining uses computer software to perform more complex automated processes than typical robots can handle. It is very useful in the aerospace industry to create high levels of precision and rapid production.
| “Automation technology is reshaping the commercial and industrial worlds by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of their processing activities.” |
Automation Technology In Homes
Automation technology is not limited to the factory floor. A home automation system saves money by conserving energy. It can improve the quality of life by adapting it to your needs. It will monitor and/or control electric and electronic devices in homes, including:
- Appliances
- Climate
- Communication
- Entertainment systems
- Lighting
- Security
A good way to start automating your home is by installing a digital assistant or smart speaker. Voice commands are used to set timers, play music and podcasts, and control other smart residential products.
Other uses of home automation include locking, opening, and closing windows, controlling lawn sprinklers, improving health, and air quality monitoring. As the sales and usefulness of home automation systems increase, their prices will become more affordable.
Automation Technology Training
If the concept of automation technology sounds interesting, you should explore a college degree in this career. Earn an Associate of Automation and Electronic Systems Technology (AOS) Degree from IT Technical College in Baton Rouge. Prepare for an entry-level position in this fascinating industry with our training.
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at: https://iticollege.edu/disclosures/
