3.4 AUTOMATION 65 The first attempts at introducing automation technology in manufacturing date back to the 18th century An automatic flour mill was developed by Oliver Evans in 1785, making it the first completely automated industrial process What does input mean? Describe it in your own words Can you think of any disadvantages caused by automation? WHAT IS AUTOMATION? The term automation describes a wide range of technologies that reduce human assistance during the working cycle, using self-regulating machinery and technology to fulfil tasks of different kinds. Automated systems employ machines with the following characteristics: industry; science and medicine; agriculture; military operations; road safety; domestic appliances. 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. The automated process Automation processes are developed according to a cycle form made up of a series of steps which are very similar across all different types of automated systems. Let s look at them in detail. Every automation process starts with an input . The input can be given by a switch or a sensor which can detect objects, signals, or physical quantities. The input is sent to a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), the brain of the automated system containing the programs that make the system carry out specific tasks. compliance: rispetto, ottemperanza goods: prodotti, beni to fulfil: adempiere, completare lack: mancanza 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: Depending on the program, 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. 152 ELECTRONICS AND ELECTROTECHNOLOGY 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 due to lack of concentration; a reduction in the number of staff needed for certain jobs; the possibility to produce goods in large quantities to reduce their price; a simplified compliance with industry regulations and standards.