Industrial automation is a necessity, not only for industries, but also for companies in general.

It consists of the use of technology to carry out function control activities with the aim of improving production processes.

It is an effect of  Industry 4.0 , characterized by the improvement of processes through advanced resources, such as  Artificial Intelligence  and  industrial robotics .

Continue reading and check out 4  industrial automation technologies  that allow increased productivity and competitiveness of industries in the market!

1. PLC

PLC ( Programmable Logic Controller) is a name referring to digital devices that automatically manage the performance of certain functions performed by industrial machines, without the need for direct intervention by people.

The PLC works like the brain of an integrated organism, being capable of programming and reprogramming. They are used in different types of industries: automotive, energy, food and others. See some examples:

• control of process variables (flow, temperature, level, pressure);
• material conveying systems (such as belts) to manage speed and other functions;
• dosage of raw materials during the production cycle (medicines, foods);
• control of pumps, electric motors and other equipment, which guarantees greater protection of machines ;
• inventory control;
• temperature management in ovens.

Some advantages of the  PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)  are greater control with less effort, more flexibility, greater productivity, more reliability and monitoring.

2. Industrial robots

Industrial robots are   manipulators with diverse functions, capable of reprogramming and with  remote monitoring .

These robots have a mobile or fixed base and are applied in  industrial automation . The main features are:

• mechanical arms for controllable manipulation;
• components that operate as links;
• linear/rotary joint connections;
• actuators  that can function as pneumatic, hydraulic, electric motors and perform other functions;
• ·manipulators at the ends of the arms in the form of tools, clamps or claws.

Industrial robotics has   many applications, being used in assembly, painting, casting, welding, cargo handling, displacement and product inspection. There are the following types of robots:

• Cartesian: performs movements in the perpendicular axes X, Y and Z and can be customized for different activities (assembly, welding, selection of items, placement, loading and unloading of materials);
• SCARA: extends and retracts the arm, in addition to rotating it at the end, being used in assemblies and application of parts.
• articulated: has a structure similar to that of the human arm, reaches high speeds, can operate in small spaces and has at least three rotation joints;
• delta: has an inverted pyramid shape, high movement precision, making it a good option for transferring and collecting items;
• cylindrical: works with tools in different positions, makes vertical and horizontal movements, being able to rotate, collect and place.

Industrial robotics reduces   production costs, reduces accident risk factors and improves business productivity.

3. Sensors and actuators

Sensors  transform information from the physical environment (volume, temperature ,  presence, pressure and others) into electrical signals. They can be:

• inductive: they act through electromagnetic induction, are very durable and precise and detect metals;
• capacitive: measure physical quantities (acceleration, force, torque) and detect levels of liquids and solids and non-metallic elements (wood, cement, resin, glass);
• photoelectric: send production data (color, type of material, distance);
• optical fibers: they have fibers as a barrier or photosensors, they identify distance, brand, material, temperature, leakage, fire;
• lasers: with a non-tubular structure, they check pneumatic cylinders and linear valves;
• ultrasonic: microprocessed, they identify the position of powder, fluid or granulated materials, as well as height, filling and curvature;
• linear transducers: have high mechanical resistance and are recommended for applications involving shocks and vibrations.

Actuators  are  responsible for producing movement. Thus, in the production of mechanical energy, we have the following types of  actuators:

• pneumatic: use pressurized air;
• hydraulic: use water;
• Electric: use electricity.

Based on the information passed by the  sensors , the controllers can carry out the processing logic. Thus,  sensors  are fundamental to operational efficiency, as  actuators  work directly on processes based on commands that controllers send.

4. Control systems

Control systems are   equipment and devices that control the behavior of machines.

It is necessary to carry out mathematical modeling of the plant, followed by the controller design. Then,  control systems  are developed.

Among its applications, we can mention robotic systems, machine tool control, servomechanism control and others. Control systems can   be:

• digital: are logical systems that can be implemented by microcontroller or PLC and are commonly used in on/off operations;
• analogue: these are simpler systems, such as thermostat and pressure switch.

Among the main advantages of  control systems , we can mention cost reduction, increased productivity and standardization.

Finally,  industrial automation technologies  stand out for the  integration of systems  from different areas (mechanics, electronics) with Information Technology (IT).

Trends in  industrial automation  continue with  Artificial Intelligence ,  industrial robotics , Big Data Analytics, increased security, cloud computing, blockchain,  energy efficiency , prioritization of  preventive maintenance  and  remote monitoring

Despite the promising prospects and advantages that  industrial automation  offers, there are challenges to overcome, such as the qualification of professionals who work with new technologies, managers’ fears, still high investments and the country’s economic instability.