What is industrial automation and its advantages?

Automated production is crucial in today’s industry. These days we can’t imagine large factories without highly developed machineries that largely replace human labour. The majority of mass-produced goods are made by machines that are operated by a human being. Not only does the concept of industrial automation refer to the processes and machineries in factories, but also to the very construction of these. In order for a machine to start performing its task, it must first be designed and then constructed. This is what industrial automation is about.

Its main objective is to increase productivity. Assembly lines are completely mechanized and consist almost entirely of automatic, self-regulating equipment, which contributes to higher productivity and much more precise operations. As a result, it generates lower production costs and higher profits. Elements of industrial automation include production machines (assembly lines), control equipment, steering and measurement equipment (meters, sensors), manufacturing equipment (motors, drives), communication systems and software.

Another advantage commonly attributed to industrial automation include higher precision. Robots and mechanical equipment are more precise than humans by their very nature, as is the case with construction machinery. Small parts are often very difficult to assemble or install. Thanks to industrial automation such work is no longer a problem, a properly programmed machine can cope with it on its own. This saves time and ensures precise production.

Industrial automation in manufacturing is the use of “intelligent” machines in factories so that manufacturing processes can be carried out with minimal human intervention and contribute to a better quality of things made and machines constructed. Unlike humans, the machine will not make mistakes as a result of haste, inattention or tiredness. Programmed properly, it is able to perform a given task infallibly. And so, an entrepreneur does not expose the business to any losses caused by human error. This is very important in the case of constructing heavy machinery, where the production is often quite expensive.

Automation definitely makes the workplace safer and more comfortable. Automated systems perform tasks even in extreme conditions that are beyond human capabilities of size, weight, speed, endurance, etc. Machines can work in extremely high or low temperatures, in radioactive or contaminated areas. It provides greater opportunities related both to the manufacturing process and to the safety of workers, not exposing them to unfavourable or hazardous conditions.

The advantages are certainly countless when we talk about automation; it maximizes safety and profit. That is why businesses or manufacturers are so keen to implement it. When time is money, the production industry has focused on industrial automation in order to keep up with the demands of the market and the needs of mankind. This has provided it with plenty of benefits and has greatly expanded its scale.