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Automation

Automation or Industrial Automation is the use of computers to control industrial machinery and processes, replacing human operators. It is a step beyond mechanization, where human operators are provided with machinery to help them in their jobs. The most visible part of automation can be said to be industrial robotics. Some advantages are repeatability, tighter quality control, waste reduction, integration with business systems, increased productivity and reduction of labour. Some disadvantages are high initial costs and increased dependence on maintenance.

By the middle of the 20th century, automation had existed for many years on a small scale, using mechanical devices to automate the production of simply shaped items. However the concept only became truly practical with the addition of the computer, whose flexibility allowed it to drive almost any sort of task. Computers with the required combination of power, price, and size first started to appear in the 1960s, and since then have taken over the vast majority of assembly line tasks (some food production/inspection being a notable exception).

In most cases specialised hardened computers referred to as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) are used to synchronize the flow of inputs from sensors and events with the flow of outputs to actuators and events. This leads to precisely controlled actions that permit a tight control of the process or machine.

HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces) are usually employed to communicate to PLCs. e.g.: To enter and monitor temperatures or pressures to be maintained.

Another form of automation that involves computers is called test automation, where computers are programmed to mimic what human testers do when manually testing software applications. This is accomplished by using test automation tools to produce special scripts (written as computer programs) that tell the computer exactly what to do in order to run the same manual tests.

Social issues of automation

Automation raises several important social issues. Among them is automation's impact on employment/unemployment.

Some argue automation leads to fuller employment. One author made that case here: When automation was first introduced, it caused widespread fear. It was thought that the displacement of human workers by computerized systems would lead to unemployment (this also happened with mechanization, centuries earlier). In fact the opposite was true, the freeing up of the labor force allowed more people to enter information jobs, which are typically higher paying. One odd side effect of this shift is that "unskilled labor" now pays very well in most industrialized nations, because fewer people are available to fill such jobs leading to supply and demand issues.

Some argue the reverse, at least in the long term. First, automation has only just begun and short-term conditions might partially obscure its long-term impact. For instance many manufacturing jobs left the United States during the early 1990s, but a massive upscaling of IT jobs at the same time offset this as a whole.

It appears that automation does devalue unskilled labor through its replacement with less-expensive machines, however the overall effect of this on the workforce as a whole remains unclear. Today automation of the workforce in the "western world" is quite advanced, yet during the same period the general wellbeing of its citizens has increased dramatically. What role automation played in these changes has not been well studied.

See also: industrial data processing, domotics, luddism
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Creative Control Concepts
Specialize in home automation and sells and supports the entire HCS-II Home Automation Line.
http://www.cc-concepts.com/

Leviton Manufacturing Co. Inc.
Information on company and products, technical support documents and retailer/contacts directories.
http://www.leviton.com/

X-10 Electronic Products
home automation, home security and home entertainment products available online.
http://www.x10.com/homepage.htm

HomeVision Home Automation Controller
Manufacturer of affordable home automation control systems with two-way X-10, two-way infrared, 24 input/output ports, and video output displaying control/status screens on TV.
http://www.csi3.com/homevis2.htm

Multimedia Max
Products to enhance the lives of the disabled by helping them to become more independent.
http://multimediadesigns.com

Integratorpro.com - reference for self-installation with JDS Stargate
Informative site for Do-it-yourself home automation. Free Newsletter with tips and product recommendations; also featuring an E-book for downloading, and links to various other products.
http://www.integratorpro.com

BCO Structured Wiring Kits
Structured wiring kits for new home construction networking.
http://www.bcostructuredwiringkits.com/

Interact TV
Develops products that integrate television, stereo, and home computers with cable or satellite and broadband connections to provide a unified home entertainment library.
http://interact-tv.com

Digihouse
Keyless entry, smart lighting, remote control, data and entertainment networks, telephone interface and management features for garden, pool and spa.
http://www.digihouse.com.au

Residential Control Systems, Inc
Automation and energy management control systems for residential and light commercial buildings.
http://www.resconsys.com/

Echelon
Complete wireless home automation system for managing home safety, security and health via the Web.
http://www.echelon.com/

Crestron Electronics, Inc.
Manufacturer of high-end control and automation solutions for corporate, residential and educational markets.
http://www.crestron.com/

Actpro International (Hong Kong) Limited
Develops a line of home automation products based on the patented technology ApBus.
http://www.apbus.com

visiomatic home automation system
Touchscreen display that can control technology within a building including communication, information and entertainment media.
http://www.visiomatic.com/

Advanced Control Technologies, Inc.
Advanced Control Technologies (ACT) is a leading designer and manufacturer of control interfaces and powerline control devices.
http://www.act-solutions.com/

Intella-Home Inc.
Manufacturers of IntellaVoice and IntellaTest giving X-10 a voice.
http://www.intellahome.com/

SmartLinc
Designs and manufactures state-of-the-art, home automation products including the TouchLinc.
http://www.smartlinc.com/

Home Temperature Monitors
Manufacturer of low cost temperature monitors which provide alarm callouts based on temperature.
http://www.testandcontrol.com

Surf Networks Inc.
LonWorks Network Control Products; building, home and vehicle automation hardware and software. Design, manufacturing and system integration services.
http://www.surfnetworks.com

Technology Marketing Consulting
Internet marketing consulting for powerline communications technology, home theater and home automation products.
http://www.marketingology.com

Digibox Interface
The Digibox Interface was created to interpret Satellite Control Infra Red codes from a VCR and convert these to the format used by the Sky Digibox Digital Satellite Receiver.
http://website.lineone.net/~dezellis

Custom Home Automation and Management
Many homeowners try to use home automation systems to simplify living in a large home. Usually a custom home management system by Electronic Solutions Co. Is the better solution.
http://www.electronicsolutionsco.com/home_automation/

ELAN Home Systems
manufactures home automation, audio/video distribution, CCTV systems and intercom systems for residences
http://www.elanhomesystems.com

Wipro Technologies - Home Networking
Provides Home Networking solutions through Residential Gateway solution and Home Gateway software.
http://www.wipro.com/prodesign/focusareas/homeautomation/index.htm

Marrick
Manufacturer of home automation hardware and software.
http://www.marrickltd.com

Habitek
Supplier of home automation and home entertainment equipment. HAL2000 distributor ,X-10 and environmental controls.
http://www.habitek.co.uk

Quasar Electronics
Computer controlled relay boards, serial isolated I/O Boards and many other electronic kits and project kits for the computer.
http://www.quasarelectronics.com/

Easylife Automation Limited
Technology products focusing on home automation, security and entertainment equipment including synopsis of X-10 and automation applications.
http://www.easylifeautomation.com

Power Line Carrier Communication
Automatic meter reading systems, meter interface modules, and standalone and embedded PLC modems.
http://www.archnetco.com

Channelvision Technologies
Channel Vision's full line of Digital RF Modulators make multiplying any audio/video signal simple and affordable.
http://www.channelvision.com

Easyplug
Powerline technology(PLC)for audio/video broadband, home networking, Internet and PC networking.
http://www.easyplug.com/

ElDeTec Inc.
Designs and manufactures advanced home automation products components utilizing power line carrier technology.
http://www.eldetec.com

OpenPLANET
Technology for controlling and monitoring computers, consumer gadgets, electronic devices and machines.
http://www.openplanet.co.jp

Internet-programmable Control System Using Web-Browser
Use your web browser to program the master programmable logic controller via the Internet.
http://www.programmable-controller.com

Amerilon Automation
Home and building automation components for energy management and control.
http://amerilon.com/

Siemon Home Cabling System
Residential networking products for homeowners who want digital video, high-speed internet access, computer networking and home theater.
http://www.homecabling.com



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