Industrial Automation Tools and Components

Industrial automation tools are of a wide range of tools that are employed for industrial automation. These tools comprise various control systems that incorporate diverse sub-systems or devices to enhance industrial processes. Notable examples include Computer-aided design (CAD software) and Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM software), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Human-Machine Interface (MHI), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA), instrumentation and robotics, etc. They are beneficiaries in the area of product development (improved design, analysis, and manufacture of products), quality control time and cost-effectiveness amongst others. This chapter emphasizes industrial automation tools and components. Furthermore, the application of industrial automation in robotics, packaging systems, computer numeric control systems, tool monitoring systems, advanced inspection systems as well as flexible manufacturing systems were discussed in this chapter. Industrial automation tools can significantly influence industrial processes with a reduction in manufacturing lead time, improvement in product quality, and effective process monitoring.

Keywords: ANN, Automation tools, CAD, CAM, DCS, HMI, SCADA.