Questions in Automation

Automation is the application of technology to control a manufacturing process. Automation consists in controlling actions by first asking questions. For example, consider putting a label on a bottle. There will be many steps. A short segment of the process might look like this:

Question 1: Is a label in place?
Action: Print the label.
Question 2: Was the label printed?

So the general sequence for any action is:
1. Can the action happen?
2. Do the action.
3. Confirm the action, usually by asking, did the action happen correctly?

Since automation often consists of long sequences of actions, one can see that there will be many questions.

So, 3 things are needed for automation:

  1. A controller. ADI has several types of controllers for an oem to use; from PCs to PLCs to SBCs (single-board computers, both industrial and commercial).
  2. Sensors to answer the questions. ADI is just about a one-stop shop for sensors: optical, vision, inductive, capacitive, encoders, and many more.
  3. An actuator, which could be electric, pneumatic, mechanical, or some combination. ADI is a distributor for SMC and complementary pneumatic lines. ADI is a distributor for ABB for motors, contactors, indicators, etc.

We would like to assist you in your automation project. And we answer questions, too.

Feb 20th 2017 Craig Disston

Recent Posts