Application Area
Automation
Automation is a technology that executes a process or procedure with minimal human assistance. Automation or automatic control refers to the use of various control systems for operating equipment, such as machinery, factory processes, boilers and heat treatment furnaces, access to telephone networks, steering and stabilization of ships, aircraft and other applications, as well as less or less human intervention Vehicles. Some processes have been fully automated.
Automation includes a variety of applications, from household thermostats that control boilers to large industrial control systems with tens of thousands of input measurements and output control signals. In terms of control complexity, it can range from simple switch control to multi-variable high-order algorithms.
In the simple type of automatic control loop, the controller compares the measured value of the process with the required set value, and processes the resulting error signal to change certain inputs to the process, so that the process is disturbed The case remains at its set point. This kind of closed-loop control is the application of negative feedback in the system. The mathematical foundation of control theory began in the 18th century and developed rapidly in the 20th century.
Automation is achieved through various means, including mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, electronic equipment and computers, which are usually combined. Complex systems, such as modern factories, airplanes, and ships, usually use all these combined technologies. The benefits of automation include saving labor, saving electricity, saving material costs, and improving quality, accuracy and precision.
The World Bank’s “World Development Report 2019” shows that although automation has replaced workers, innovation has created new industries and job opportunities.
The word automation was inspired by early automation (from automata), and was not widely used before Ford established the automation department in 1947. It was during this time that the industry quickly adopted feedback controllers, which were introduced in the 1930s.