Automating Manufacturing Operations The Penultimate Approach [Hardcover]

Modern industrial automation developed from simple pre-programmed machine instructions to complex general manufacturing systems in a span of about 50 years, and that development continues. Much of that development has proven disruptive for people and society, although many enjoy its benefits. This unique book focuses on the all-important human machine interface and its societal implications. Whether you re immersed in the automation field or if you just want to learn more about it, this exceptional title will be all you need. It offers you new ways of looking at the goals, potentials, and consequences of future manufacturing automation. Highlights include: A brief historical overview of the interdependent human development of tools and social organization; Coverage of concepts necessary for identifying processes amenable for automation; Discussion of process control with human and machine capabilities; An overview of automation technologies and the five stages of their evolution; A chronicle of the development of modern digital computer automation systems, including networks, protocols, specific process communications, programming, and engineering design of process control systems; Guidelines for contemplating future societal needs and the possibilities for future technologies for manufacturing and control processes, including additive manufacturing, big data, cloud computing, robots and security; and An Appendix on artificial intelligence.