There are a lot of articles in this section on robotics. Yet robotics is only one form of industrial automation. Other forms of industrial automation that come to my mind are:
- VFD -- variable frequency drive fed by a PLC to drive the speed of a pump (constant torque/variable torque)
- CNC Machine -- CNC machine used in a crankshaft machining application
- Linear actuators-- linear actuators used in precision positioning applications (e;g. PCB assembly)
- Relays -- electro-mechanical relays used in motor control start/stop/jog/reversing applications (ladder logic)
- PDU -- power distribution units with redundant power sources that automatically switch sources when a loss of power is sensed.
- AGC-- automatic gauge control for thickness control in a cold rolling mill
- Servo valves-- electronic-input servo valves for directional or proportional control of hydraulic fluid.
How do you define 'industrial automation'? What industrial automation systems have you worked on? What industrial automation systems would you like to learn about?
