3.4 AUTOMATION What is automation? Definition Automation is not simply the substitution of human workers with machines, but it is the use of machinery and technology to tasks of different kinds. self-regulating fulfil Automated systems employ machines with the following characteristics: the ability to be programmed for a specific task but also re-programmed for a different or new task; the ability to self-regulate by monitoring their own working process, detecting and correcting errors. WARM UP Can you explain the difference between “mechanisation” and “automation”? Applications Automation has been continuously developing over the last century and has affected almost every field of life and activity. The main fields in which automated systems are employed are: industry; science and medicine; military operations; road safety; domestic appliances . 1 DO Give examples of automated systems for each of these fields of activity. 1 Advantages Automated systems offer a number of advantages over human work, such as: a greater rapidity and precision in the production of goods; fewer risks of accidents and errors in dangerous or repetitive jobs of concentration; due to a lack a reduction in the number of staff needed for certain jobs; the possibility to produce in large quantities, which reduces their price . goods 2 DO Can you think of some disadvantages of automation? 2 The automation process Automation processes are developed in a series of steps, which are very similar across all different types of automated systems and require very little human intervention. Every automation process starts with an . The input can be given by a switch or a sensor which can detect objects, signals or physical quantities. input The input is sent to a (Programmable Logic Controller), the brain of the automated system containing the programmes that make the system carry out specific tasks. PLC Depending on the programme, the automated system generates an output, which activates devices such as a motor or other kinds of machinery. The automated process continues as a cycle until it receives a stop signal from a switch or a sensor.