Almost any typical production operations traditionally performed by humans can be automated, which helps optimize production. There are many examples that clearly illustrate how the active use of machines can improve working conditions and create new jobs. This is especially true for companies that use complex technologies:
mechanical engineering;
mining industry;
metallurgy;
agriculture;
medicine;
space exploration;
underwater exploration.
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Automation of production is especially important in enterprises where the health of workers, when directly performing technological operations, is at risk:
chemical industry;
tobacco industry;
nuclear power plants;
production of aluminum and other hazardous materials.
For example, it is unlikely that anyone would think of manually changing graphite rods in a nuclear reactor.
Application areas of industrial automation
Automation also helps improve the quality of services. Trade, public catering, restaurants use automatic product recognition systems, self-service terminals, etc.
Automated systems allow small businesses to prepare reports for regulatory authorities, keep records of sold products, and update databases.
The areas of the economy that use these systems are steadily expanding. At the same time, people do not have to worry about losing their jobs and livelihoods. Machines improve the quality of life, allowing time to be spent on mastering new types of activities.
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4 automation technologies in industry
The efficiency of automation systems in industry is determined by a number of hardware and software technologies. Machines can replace manual labor, but for proper operation they require precise adjustment and suitable software. There are several types of automation.
Robotics
Traditional robots are extremely complex devices, both in production, programming and operation. In addition, most of them are not universal, being designed to solve a narrow range of production tasks, and their use can pose a danger to personnel.
In this regard, the attention of business owners is increasingly attracted by robots. They have a wide range of applications, are cheaper to produce, and are also safer for employees.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is one of the most promising areas of production development. It will be one of the main elements of Industry 4.0, i.e. production based on data exchange, its processing in real time, and coordination of robot and human actions. Artificial intelligence allows machines to self-learn, i.e. perform operations for which it was not programmed by developers.
Artificial intelligence
Thus, peripheral equipment for remote monitoring makes it possible to remotely identify and eliminate errors, set up complex industrial automation. The Nvidia Jetson AGX Xavier software package allows you to create and use universal applications for robots in combination with artificial intelligence, including neural networks, at any scale. You can also recall Autodesk Fusion 360. The cloud-based CAD / CAM application allows you to create multi-axis files based on 3D sketches. The listed packages are provided on the UR+ platform.
Modeling and Simulation
The fruitful use of technology is ensured by forecasting and understanding the features of the final product. Developers use modeling and simulation, which makes it possible to clearly present the final result. As a result, it becomes easier to adapt or change the product design, identify possible errors and visualize the content.
Such methods are widely used in the development of industrial robotic systems, which are quite expensive to produce and limited in functionality.
Computer vision
The principles of computer vision are widely used in those industries where it is necessary to perform quality control of the final product. Machine vision allows you to identify the smallest defects that a person may not notice. For example, this method is very useful in determining the location of parts, in metrological studies.
Thus, the OnRobot Eyes application is equipped with a 2.5D camera. The system allows you to quickly calibrate the product using one image and recognize parts. Programming and control is carried out using the URCap module, located on the Universal Robots pendant.
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