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How do you define industrial automation?

rscasny

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?

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  • I don't think any of these imply "Automation", they are however a good variety of modules that when combined with a controller can create some form of automation but none on their own are "Automation", industrial or otherwise

     

    A CNC may be the exception in the list, only because it does imply Computer Controlled and therefore Programmable, though you don't say what form of CNC

     

    They can be included under the banner of Automation, (Industrial or otherwise) as they are often found in Industrial Control Systems to aid in converting instructions to physical actions or sensing

     

    I would re-define the question to

     

    1. What is Defined as Automation (Similar debate as to what is a Robot I would imagine)

    2. What distinguishes something as "Industrial". Is the CNC Router in my garage Industrial Automation or Home automation, just because it is in a home ??

  • in reply to peteroakes

    Hi Peter.

    Well, that's why I asked the question. I'm not sure what 'industrial automation' means in this section's context. When I worked at both Eaton and Square as a Field Engineer all the products / machines I mentioned above are defined as industrial automation. Granted, they may be components and not complete automation systems, but they are industrial automation.

     

    I went to see how Siemens, Eaton, and Group Schneider defined  industrial automation. They concur with my definition.

     

    Are not these industrial automation?

     

    image

    Converting Machines for Paper and Paperboard Finishing machine

     

    image

     

    cold rolling mill machine

     

    image

     

    PCB Production Equipment/Facility

     

    image

    Bottling Production Line

     

    If these aren't Industrial Automation, I don't know what is! 

  • in reply to rscasny

    They are in the general sense of the definition for sure but these are not what you described above, for one, most clearly show the controllers that add the "Automation" aspect, Industrial becuase there in a clearly Industrial setting

     

    Many of the components you sited in the original post are merely components that "Could" be used in an industrial Automation scenario

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  • in reply to rscasny

    They are in the general sense of the definition for sure but these are not what you described above, for one, most clearly show the controllers that add the "Automation" aspect, Industrial becuase there in a clearly Industrial setting

     

    Many of the components you sited in the original post are merely components that "Could" be used in an industrial Automation scenario

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