Automation Systems: Types, Components, and Robots

Automation and Control Systems

The main elements of a structure, motor circuits, actuators, control devices, regulatory, and other control mechanisms are often referred to as having an authoritarian system of automation and control.

Types of Automated Machines

Machines can be classified according to:

• Technology Involved: They can be electric, mechanical, etc.
• Complexity: Based on the number of pieces they comprise.
• Level of Automation: How dependent they are on human intervention.

Based on the level of automation, they can be:

• Machines Without Automation

  Control is done manually.

• Fixed Cycle Automatic Machines

  Concrete operations are repeated over and over again in the same way. Modification is needed to change the cycle.

• Programmable Machines

  Similar to the previous type, but they use a programmer.

• Intelligent Machines

  In addition to sensors, they modify their behavior and make decisions based on input.

What is Automatism?

Automatism occurs when a system operates without direct intervention from people.

Types of Automatic Switches

There are various types of automatic switches:

• Movement Switches

  These have an excessive inclination and are often found in a container partially filled with mercury and two electrodes.

• Pressure Switches

  They activate when a small push, a lever, or a small roller applies pressure.

• Magnetic Switches

  Contain thin magnetized sheets inside a glass bulb that connect or disconnect when a magnet moves closer or further away.

• Optical Switches

  Sensitive to the absence or presence of light, e.g., optointerruptors, LDRs.

Programmers

A programmer is a device that controls the order and timing of the operation of various elements that form a programmable machine.

• Mechanical Programmers

  The first type invented, predating electronic mail. An example is a music box.

• Electromechanical Programmers

  These are devices in which one or more mechanisms activate electrical contacts at a certain frequency by moving. There are two main types:

  • Card Programmers

    Their function is written on a cardboard card that slides into a sheet of tin. As the card progresses, it activates circuits.

  • Cam Programmers

    Use a cylindrical support with cams. As it rotates, the cams push certain contacts open or closed, determining the circuits.

• Pot Programmers

  Relies on a pot (container) on which pieces of insulator tape are placed. This is connected to a power supply, and as it rotates, it activates electrical contacts.

• Disk Programmers

  Similar to the pot programmer, but uses a disk of cardboard with some areas drilled out and another metal disk attached.

Electronic Components

• Chips

  A circuit with thousands of tiny electronic components (diodes, transistors, resistors, etc.). These are contained in a capsule which connects them.

• Microprocessors

  A chip that can be programmed. It receives orders, analyzes them, and executes them.

Robots

• Robot Definition

  A programmable machine capable of performing operations or tasks, substituting for different people.

• Robot Applications

  Used mainly in industry, but also in submarine installations, by police for deactivation of explosives, in construction, and especially in vehicle manufacturing.