Automation is a technology, machine like that is self-operated or a mechanism designed to follow a predetermined sequence of operations automatically. Some are designed to give illusion to casual observer such that they operate under their own power. In this technology, processes and procedures are performed under minimal human assistance.
Operating equipment like machinery, factory’s processes, vehicles with less human intervention, boilers and heat treating ovens, switching on of phones networks, aircraft hustles and other applications are the samples of control systems favored by automation.  This is being contributed by a combination of various means like electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, electronic devises as well as computers. Most modern companies are then adopting these combinations of techniques in their daily running which is more beneficial.
Associated benefits with automation
- Through use of automation technology, an industry benefits with faster production of its goods and services and cheaper labor costs and expenses. This hence increases throughput or productivity in a company.
- Automation also replaces hard, physical or monotonous work. It has replaced human operators in such hard tasks which hence increases consistency of output.
- It has replaced humans in tasks done in dangerous environments.in such hazardous environments or those beyond human capabilities, advanced machines are in a place of operating. This has benefited the projects or works requiring high degree of accuracy.
Automation limitations
However, not all tasks can be automated whereas some are more expensive as others are. The cost of installing these technologies in a factory or day to day activity running setting is high plus its maintenance. There are also possible security threats due to the increased relative susceptibility for committing errors. Also there are several unpredictable development costs which now are leading to ill effects beyond operational concerns like displacement of workers due to job replacement.
Automation and environment
The cost of this automation system to the environment is different depending on technology, engine automated or product. For example current automation of vehicles is proving to have a substantial impact on the environment, where the nature of this impact is beneficial and harmful depending on some factors. An automated vehicle is less likely to be involved in an accident unlike a human driven vehicle which wouldn’t even require precautions like anti-lock brakes to enhance safety. Reduction of some features is also significantly reducing vehicle weights thus increasing fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Through this interest, vehicle-highway systems are also getting developed. It’s more concerned in human factors to ensure the success of man-machine relationship. It will be accomplished through combination of sensor, computer and communication systems in vehicles and along the roadway.
Automation has been trending in various divisions of running companies and day in day out exercises. It’s in power production companies, foo retail industries, stores in mining industries, visual surveillance and monitoring, and the above mentioned road-transport systems. All are rapidly introducing systems with an aim of improving productivity and efficiency but the end of the day reducing the need of employment.
Humans are less involved although their involvement still becomes more critical. Human pattern recognition, language comprehension, production ability are all beyond capabilities of modern mechanical and computer systems. Tasks requiring subjective assessments and high level tasks like strategic management and planning currently do require human expertise. However, these findings are controversial and convoluted in nature and can be potentially controlled for better tomorrow.
