The Evolution of Automation
The Evolution of Automation
Automation of previously human-handled operations has come a long way since the introduction of the cotton mill back in the 18th century. Heralded as the birth of the machine tool industry, the introduction of the cotton mill in England in 1775, which mechanised the cotton spinning process in the textile industry, is also commonly cited as the birth of the industrial revolution.
By allowing for manpower to be reallocated to more sensitive and case-specific tasks, custom automation solutions have continued to grow in scope and output. The degree to which our manufacturing processes are automated today allows for us to progress even further, by focussing energy on innovation rather than on manual, repetitive labour.
Modern Automation Techniques
Modern automation processes focus on speed, reliability, accuracy and consistency of end-product. The elimination of human participation removes the capacity for human error, and in so doing, creates a fail-safe industrial engineering environment.
Constantly evolving technology now allows for computer-aided design (or CAD) to ease the process of design and the creation of more complex systems. Computer-aided manufacturing (or CAM), together with CAD, assist the user throughout the entire process of manufacture.
By processing the design work on a computer, the technical layout and functionality of the machine can be brought to life in a simulated real-world environment. This allows for the design to be tested and tweaked before anything is produced. This is in turn facilitates the ability to produce a working product first time, every time.
Humans are Still Involved!
Although machines have been sometimes seen as a curse to the working man, this need not be the case. After all, skilled personnel are required to operate industrial technical machinery, as well as maintenance, irrespective of the level of automation.
The automation of the manufacturing process allows for designed ideas to become designed realities, and the assistance of an industrial automation company is necessary to guide you the process of conceptualisation, design, prototype development and testing, and eventual serial production of the end product.
Choose an industrial engineering company that can assist you through each step, and your creative vision can become a reality.
