The basics of Automated Controls.

An Overview of Automated Control Systems

I have in this article discussed the basics you need to know about automated control systems which boost efficiency and reliability in the applicable areas if used wisely and effectively. But before going into the subject first, we need to understand what is automated system and the basics of automated controls.

What is Automated System?

An automated system basically means a system that uses technology to control different types of equipment and machines without the need for humans to interfere or manually perform the control in the production of goods and services. With reduced human assistance, automated control systems reduce production time, increase manufacturing flexibility, reduce costs and eliminate human error.

Modern advancements in various technology fields such as computer science (artificial intelligence and robotics), data-storage technology, software programming, sensor technology etc. have significantly contributed to the progress in automation.

The aim of automated controls is to boost efficiency and reliability. It increases the productivity of labourers and frees men from controlling systems that operate under conditions which are difficult to access or hazardous to health.

The basic elements of automated controls are,

1. Power: To accomplish the process and operate the automated system;

2. Program of instruction: To direct the process;

3. Control system: To actuate the instructions;

Types of Automation Control Systems

There are basically two types of automation control systems – open-loop systems and closed-loop systems.

In an open-loop system of automated control the control action from the controller is independent of the process variable (output) whereas, in a closed-loop control system, the control action from the controller is dependent on the desired set value and the actual output value of the process.

Closed-loop controls are widely used in modern control system automation.

Principle and theory of Automated Control Systems

Automation control systems manage commands and regulate the behaviour of other devices or systems using control loops to achieve desired results. The scope of such control ranges from a single home heating control system to large industrial automation control.

The three functional elements which are needed in automated control systems are,

1. Measurement;

2. Error detection;

3. Final control;

In closed-loop feedback control, the controller compares a measured output value of a process with the desired set value which is the reference or set point. The difference between the actual output value and the desired set value of the process is the error signal. This error signal is applied as feedback to generate a control action to make necessary changes in the input to the process so that the output value of the process stays at the desired set value despite disturbances. The closed-loop control can be diagrammatically represented below:

The output of the system is fed back through the ‘sensing elements’ for comparison with the reference value. The error signal i.e. the difference between the reference value and the output is then fed into the ‘controller’ to change the inputs to the ‘process’ under control.

Major areas of application of Automated Control Systems

Find below some of the major areas of application of automated control systems with examples, which need minimal or reduced human intervention:

1. Manufacturing – Controlling machinery and manufacturing processes, quality control, material handling and more. Application area also includes the use of industrial robotics that aids in various manufacturing processes;

2. Communication – Controlling electronic telephone switching systems to switch on telephone networks, communications satellites and automated mail-sorting machines;

3. Transportation – Besides control of automated guided vehicles, application areas include airline reservation systems, automatic pilots in aircraft and locomotives, and urban mass-transit systems;

4. Service industries – Applications of automated control in service industries include health care, banking and other financial services, retail trade and more;

5. Home automation – Controlling household appliances and features in residential dwellings;

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Automation Control Systems 

Advantages of automated controls

> Higher production rates and increased productivity;

> Efficient use of materials;

> Better product quality;

> Reduced factory lead times;

> Increases manufacturing flexibility;

> Reduces direct labour costs;

> Eliminates human error;

> Freed workers from the controlling systems can take up other roles;

> Improves safety of workers (reduces occupational injuries);

Disadvantages of automated controls

> Displacement of workers from jobs which are taken over by machines;

> Requires high initial investment due to high capital expenditure;

> High development costs;

> Requires higher level of maintenance as compared to manually operated machine;

Frequently asked questions

Now that I have given an overview of the basics of automated control systems let me also address some of the related queries often asked by people.

What is an automated system?

The automated system is programmed to work automatically without the need for human intervention to provide inputs and instructions for its operation. The automated system operates with the help of the combination of both software and hardware.

Why do we use automated systems?

The automated system is used for higher production rates and increased productivity, more efficient use of materials, better product quality, reduced factory lead times and improved safety.

What are the advantages of automated control systems?

The main advantages of automated controls are that it helps to improve safety by reducing human errors, making the production process more efficient and reducing costs. This is particularly vital in industries such as agriculture and mining where there is a high risk of injury. Automation also enables shorter workweeks for labour.

You may also like to read this post:  Benefits of RPA – Robotic Process Automation Use cases

Conclusion

Higher output, increased productivity and reduced production costs are the biggest reasons justifying the use of automation control systems. Although automated controls may eventually override rather than serve humankind, it can yield substantial opportunities for the future, if used wisely and effectively. There is an opportunity to make work safer by relieving humans from repetitive and hazardous labour in all forms. The use of automated control systems would ultimately provide a growing social and economic environment in which humans can enjoy a better way of life.