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Defining Industrial Automation: A Comprehensive Overview
A plain-language definition of industrial automation, its levels from simple sensing to coordinated plants, and the building blocks every automated system shares.
Automation and Operations
Automation and Robotics
Control systems, robots, IIoT and conveyors.
A Guide to Industrial Conveyors and Their Various Applications
Belt, roller and chain conveyors compared: how each works, which loads and industries they usually suit, and what to watch for with each design.
Advances in Industrial Robotics: A Closer Look
A hedged survey of recent directions in industrial robotics, including collaborative robots, vision guidance, easier programming and mobile platforms.
Advantages of Using Industrial Robots in Manufacturing
The typical benefits of industrial robots, such as repeatability and safer work, balanced against their costs, limits and the situations where they are a poor fit.
Boosting Efficiency with Industrial Conveyors
How layout, speed matching, accumulation and upkeep affect conveyor throughput, with practical ideas for finding and fixing the real limit in a line.
Emerging Trends in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
A general look at where industrial IoT is heading: connected sensors, data collection, edge computing, predictive uses and the security and data-quality limits.
Exploring Industrial Automation for Small Businesses
A step-by-step way for a small operation to approach automation, from picking one task and measuring it to a small pilot, with a clearly hypothetical example.
Guide to Industrial Control Systems and Their Components
How controllers, sensors, actuators and human interfaces work together in a control loop, with a simple heating example and notes on common failure points.
How Industrial Automation Can Improve Productivity
Where automation tends to raise output, including cycle time, consistency and uptime, along with its limits and a clearly hypothetical calculation.
Industrial Automation: How to Boost Efficiency and Productivity
A phased plan for introducing automation: choose a process, define measures, pilot, train staff, roll out carefully and keep measuring the results.
Industrial Conveyors for Efficient Material Handling
How conveyors link workstations, smooth the flow of material through a facility, reduce manual carrying and fit alongside lifts, vehicles and storage.
Industrial Conveyors: A Guide to Choosing the Right System
How load, distance, speed, environment and future needs guide the choice of a conveyor system, with a checklist of questions to answer before talking to suppliers.
Industrial Robotics: Revolutionizing Manufacturing Processes
How industrial robots changed manufacturing tasks such as welding, material handling, painting and assembly, and where their limits and costs still apply.
Related topics
More in automation and operations
Maintenance and Repair Keeping equipment running and fixing common faults. Safety and Compliance Safer workspaces, equipment features and regulations. Choosing Equipment Matching equipment to budget, business size and industry. Equipment Performance Efficiency, monitoring and lifespan of running equipment. Automation Technologies PLCs, SCADA, networks, robots and smart factory building blocks. Automation Approaches Reviews, guides and example scenarios for adopting automation. Automation in Process Sectors How automation is applied in chemicals, food, energy and water. Automation in Manufacturing Sectors How automation is applied in vehicles, metals, textiles and other built products. Safety Equipment Protective gear and safety equipment for different industrial hazards. Regulations and Training General guidance on safety rules, chemical handling and worker training. Lean and Quality Lean manufacturing ideas and quality control in production. Predictive Maintenance Condition data and sensing used to predict equipment failures. Maintenance Strategies Preventive, total productive and mixed approaches to keeping plant running. IIoT and AI Connected sensors and artificial intelligence in industrial operations. Automation Fundamentals Core concepts, parts and measurements behind industrial automation. Automation for Efficiency Using automation to streamline plants and raise productivity. Small Business Automation Automation options sized for small workshops and businesses. Equipment and the Business How owning, renting or leasing equipment shapes growth and output. Automation Outlook Where industrial automation came from and where it may be heading. Automation Benefits What automation and connected systems change for processes, energy use and jobs. Robots and Drones How robots and inspection drones have developed and what they do on site. Workplace Health How equipment, noise and layout affect the people who work around them. Industrial Data Analytics Using plant data to support business decisions. Electrical Safety Safety equipment, installation, training and panel repair for industrial electrical systems. Fire and Emergency Readiness Fire suppression and recovery equipment for facilities. Maintenance by Equipment Type Upkeep practices for machinery, pumps, generators, conveyors and harsh conditions. Supply Chain Operations How supply chain management and automation connect plants, suppliers and customers. Quality Control and Automation Equipment, automation and AI used to keep product quality consistent. Equipment Trends Review A look back at equipment, machinery and automation trends around 2023. Industrial Sensors How sensors support process control, quality checks and maintenance. Reliability and Maintenance Management How teams plan, measure and improve equipment reliability. Installation and Commissioning Getting new equipment installed, tested and handed over. Motion Control and Actuators The parts that make machines move precisely: servos, steppers, encoders and actuators.