What are the different types of automation ?
AI & AUTOMATION
What are the different types of automation ?
Automation can be classified in mainly two different ways . First , there can be a differentiation in three basic types regarding the production volume and product variety : fixed automation , programmable automation , and flexible automation .
• Fixed automation is the process sequence fixed by the equipment configuration . The individual processes are rather simple ; complexity is generated through the integration and coordination of several such simple operations .
• In programmable automation the equipment is designed with a capability to change the sequence of operations through a PLC as required by different products .
• Flexible automation is often seen as an extension of programmable automation ; the advantage is the flexibility used to have no changeover between different products , the system can produce various products instead of producing batches . A second differentiation can be more process oriented and technology based , regarding the appliance of different automation technologies . In this view it can be broadly distinguished between robotics ( considering all three previous types ), advanced materials and additive manufacturing , simulation and modeling software and more generally all the new emerging technologies , often referred to as Industry 4.0 applications ( Big Data , Artificial Intelligence , RPA ).
Christian Haupt , Head of Group Business Development Technology and Global Director Continuous Improvement STAEDTLER
Use cases of automation in manufacturing “ Many will have heard of the physical industry robots used to assemble , test and package products ,” reflects Mee . “ But automation can also be deployed in the back-office to help streamline operational processes . RPA is software that can work just like a human – but virtually . RPA software robots can take control of a screen , mouse and keyboard and operate a computer just as a human would . In other words , they are digital assistants on hand to help with rule-based and data-heavy processes .”
With manufacturers constantly handling time-consuming , data-focused tasks such as procurement , order management , inventory management and payment processing , “ the rule-based nature of these tasks makes them perfect for RPA ,” adds Mee . “ Therefore , many manufacturing companies are turning to RPA to improve agility and streamline operations across the value chain .”
manufacturingglobal . com 87