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The Industrial automation is one of the most impressive and evolving epitome of the technology. Where they are utilizing robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machines to help mass production in higher volume. As increase in the population, manufacturing and production, the industries demand for automation has been rises overtime. Nowadays, most of the industries are adapting automation as it helps the production with less human intervention, and it assist to perform even complex tasks. The use of automation in the industries had evolve since past few years, where machineries had replaced humans or to perform a tasks with less human interventions using logical programming commands. To operate any certain task based on human decisions, mechanization using powered machineries aids human operator to perform those task effectively. Whereas industrial automation is the replacement of humans with computers and machines to that of human thinking. There are several automation devices used in industries which includes PLCs, PCs, PACs, other various industrial communication systems.

What does exactly Industrial Automation means?

The Industrial revolution took place in the mid-eighteenth century, when the huge factories started to develop and utilize the machine manufacturing to the increase the volume of the work. The advanced systems used in industry these days is more important to produce and to deliver high quality service and production. Even after few years we all will encounter some of the best automation software’s which will have a great impact on the work performances.

Also there are several other benefits which the industries are embracing such as, the increase in productivity and more space for creativity, and to reduce the work loads. In addition, the automation also benefits by reducing the costs and by assuring the safety. Labors are required throughout the day to perform certain tasks, so eliminate the wages of labors automation can help to replace them and to minimize the costs.

But how can automation guarantees safety? With utilization of the automation devices, the number of worker who gets injured while working has been reduced rapidly, which promotes the safety and security of the employees. In this way, the robots can perform those hazardous tasks very efficiently and in no time. Also, machines are programmed in such a way that systems can complete the given tasks the same way the humans do, and quickly rectify major errors if happens and inform the automation engineers to correct them. The data systems stored can help for future growth and to know the previous performance report.

Types of Industrial Automation Systems –

There are a few other different types of computer systems which are used particularly based on the needs of the industries, like fixed automation, programmable automation, and flexible automation.

1.  Fixed Automation -

Fixed automated machines perform a programmed set of operations in advance. These systems are typically used for the assembly of products.

Fixed systems are somehow challenging to reprogram and can cost you more, that is why these suitable for some specific industries like food processing.

2. Programmable Automation -

Programmable automation has more flexibility than fixed, so to change the process design promptly. Though, the system can only modify collecting operations, to make it more ideal for production which only require least processing changes.

3. Flexible Automation -

On the other side flexible automation offers full and wide range of work ability to change any required method for any production. This helps to performed tasks quickly under the observation of the human operator using human-machine interface (HMI). Also, flexible automation allows manufacturers to produce multiple products at the same time, which helps to save their time, to be utilized for more productive tasks.

There are certain structures of the Industrial Control Systems, where it aids the industry to utilize several separate systems to control the processes. Also, it depends on the type of the industry, which requires huge systems particularly operate by SCADA, DCS or may be PLC.

To explain SCADA, is like a software system which is majorly used in manufacturing companies, where it assist in monitoring, to control machinery, interact with devices such as the sensors with the help of human-machine-interface. Whereas, Distributed Control Systems (DCS) helps to operate, maintain and to control the software applications through geographically distributed controlled loops. Also, the (PLC) programmable logic controllers helps the industry to certain tasks or productions related to robotic devices or machines. Additionally, it aids to record data of the machines and to generate alarms, if any errors it encounters and to resolve immediately.

Conclusion –

Industrial automation is the core of the industries which reduce the operational costs, improve process productivities, and allow the growth of the new digital services for the customers and for the clients. As IoT helps devices to provide companies with new, deep insights into their company’s operations.

 Followings are the current trends for the Industrial Automation and Control:

1.    Augmented reality (AR)

It is a tool which is used for the assembly and for the maintenance, where the user sees the real practical world, filled with the information digitally. Also, AR devices can know what their worker is looking at and display them only the data they need to commute the task. This is then accomplish with video-see-through technology by using smartphones, or an additional device called the optical-see-through technology using smart glasses. To make you understand clearly, the AR devices offer maintenance and service technicians with additional detailed procedures, such as asset diagnostics, work order information and a platform to contact remote experts for any assistance.

2.    Industrial Internet -

The industrial automation internet became the most important as it will allow the companies or industries to improve their work efficiency to develop new models for their business. Through this the industries will take into consideration to invest in data management so to become a part of the Industrial Internet Speed.

3.    Digital twin -

Digital twin technology may not be able to generate or to receive the same capacity as the other technologies does like AI and blockchain. Anyhow it has been achieved its peak. To know, Digital twin is not something related to any single technology. Although it is a digital representation of a physical asset. Many industries will make announcements on ROI on their own digital twin, as it will encourage in increased adoption and with associated data management practices.

4.    The emergence of new business models –

With an increase in the consumption of the technologies or automation, will certainly lead to a creative destruction and an expansion of traditional business models. To make you aware that, digital is not only about technology implementation, but has the ability to achieve remarkable outcomes. Also, it is all about to be sustained into the industries.

5.    AI Analytics –

Analytics is an essential part or the process into the industrial automation. As AI analytics will help to tell the industry experts about their performance and their rapid growths, with the help of advance chips, which supports AI processing and to embed design chips in edge computing hardware.

6.    Virtual reality (VR) –