The origins of industrial automation date back to the 1700s, when the steam engine was invented. Before the invention of the steam engine, the majority of regular tasks in fields such as farming and manufacturing had to be done through grueling and time-consuming manual labor. However, with the advent of this invention, a new age where machines could be supplied with continuous power with little to no need for human involvement emerged.
Now, what is industrial automation?
Industrial automation involves using control systems to handle different processes and machinery to reduce bottlenecks in the manufacturing process. This is basically done by automating repetitive processes and reducing human involvement.
- A control system is any mechanism that governs the operation of other devices or systems. So day-to-day equipment and devices we interact with such as computers, refrigerators, and traffic lights can be regarded as control systems.
Why should we care about all these?
For starters, we all have industrial automation to thank for the rapid technological development we've experienced over the past few decades. The phones, laptops, and cars you use today are built in manufacturing factories whose processes are largely automated. I dare say that the current global economy is largely built on the backbones of the efficiency and effectiveness that industrial automation brought into the manufacturing industry.
Evolution of Industrial Automation
As I mentioned earlier, industrial automation started in the 1700s with the mechanization of the labor force, but the introduction of microprocessors and other silicon-based technologies in the 1970s enabled the development of more sophisticated systems capable of handling more complex tasks. This technology later became the foundation on which most of today's technological strides were built. It paved the way for robotics and the internet - two technologies that have revolutionized industrial automation, bringing an age of interconnected and intelligent systems.
Core Technologies in Modern Industrial Automation
- Robotics and AI:
These two technologies are at the forefront of modern industrial automation development. Thanks to advancements in AI and machine learning, industrial robots can now be trained to learn basic processes and adapt to new tasks while on the job.
Internet of Things (IoT):
IoT has facilitated an avenue that allows sensors and other connected devices to gather vast amounts of real-time data which can be analyzed for different purposes such as operation optimization, maintenance prediction, and even equipment failure forecasts. These are all possible thanks to big data analytics, a technique that has equipped modern-day systems (not only in the industrial sector) with the ability to collect and analyze large chunks of data.Cloud Computing:
This is another technology that has greatly helped modern industrial automation. Using cloud computing technology, companies can manage and scale their automation systems.
Benefits of Industrial Automation Today
Increased Efficiency and Productivity:
Improved Quality and Precision:
Enhanced Safety and Working Conditions:
Cost-effective (in the long run)**
Conclusion
Companies like Siemens and General Electric have successfully implemented modern automation technologies. For instance, Siemens' Amberg Electronics Plant uses advanced automation to produce millions of products with a high degree of customization and precision. This shows us a glimpse into a probable future where entire manufacturing factories are fully automated without the need for any human intervention.
Now, I know this may raise a lot of concerns, especially with people who feel there will be a massive loss of jobs when this eventually happens, but in my personal opinion, I think human society will adapt and end up being just fine. We always have, and we always will.
What I think will happen when these new innovations are introduced to us is what I would like to call a "Change of setup". Yes, a lot of people might lose their jobs initially, but eventually, there will be a redistribution of labor that will emerge after the dust settles. What do you think?