Five Components of Automation

Five components of automation are: action, control, sensing, decision and program.

Action components are those parts of an automated system that apply energy to move materials in the system. Energy can be applied in several forms, such as heat to change the temperature of a material or in the form of electricity to run motors. The motors may drive conveyors, which move materials. The motors also may do work such as drilling holes or cutting material to size. Control Components. The action is carried out because controls regulate them. A switch is closed, electricity flows, and the motor runs. The switch is a control. At the proper time, the control can be activated to cause the valve to close, stopping the liquid from flowing. Sensing. Sensors are placed in the automated system to detect and measure how the system is operating. These sensors are connected to indicators such as dials or gauges. A thermocouple is indicated on a gauge we call a thermometer.

The speed of a motor is detected and indicated on a dial showing revolutions per minute (RPM) of the motor. This is called the tachometer. Decision and program. Two new components have been added to make the automated system. A decision component receives incoming information, compares it with stored information and, if needed, sends commands to controls in the system. The stored information or program is the fifth component of the automated system. The program includes both process and command information. Process information contains data about the system should be operating. The command program includes instructions that direct the controls to do certain operations.

In the mechanized systems, the sensors indicated how the system was operating. People read these indicators, compared the information with data on how the system was supposed to operate and then made any adjustments needed. In the automated system some type of computer replaces the person. The computer receives the information, makes the comparison, makes the decision and commands the controls to activate.