BUSN2550 Study Guide - Final Guide: Programmable Logic Controller, Industry 4.0, Industrial Revolution
Automation Evolution: From Manual Labor to Intelligent
Machines
Automation has been an essential part of the industrial revolution, transforming the way
we work and live. For centuries, manual labor was the backbone of industry, with
workers toiling in factories, performing repetitive and often dangerous tasks. But with
the advent of automation, the nature of work began to change. Machines and robots
began to take over these tasks, making them faster, more efficient, and safer. Today,
automation has become an essential part of our daily lives, and it's hard to imagine a
world without it.
The Evolution of Automation
The first automated factories appeared in the late 18th century, using machines to
perform tasks that had previously been done by hand. These early machines were
primitive by today's standards, but they laid the foundation for the automation
revolution that was to come. As automation technology advanced, robots became more
sophisticated. They were no longer just tools for performing repetitive tasks. They were
becoming more intelligent and versatile.
One of the significant milestones in automation evolution was the development of the
programmable logic controller (PLC) in the 1960s. The PLC was a digital computer that
could control industrial processes, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency. It
replaced the cumbersome relay systems that were used previously, making it easier to
control and monitor machines.
The 1980s saw the rise of the first industrial robots, which were designed to work
alongside humans. These robots were programmed to perform specific tasks, such as
welding, painting, or assembling products. They were much faster and more precise
than human workers, making them ideal for repetitive and dangerous tasks.
The 1990s saw the development of more intelligent robots, capable of learning and
adapting to their environment. These robots could use sensors and cameras to navigate
their surroundings, making them ideal for tasks that required more flexibility and
decision-making skills.
Today, we have reached the age of Industry 4.0, where automation has become fully
integrated with the internet, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI). The
combination of these technologies has created a new generation of intelligent machines
Document Summary
Automation has been an essential part of the industrial revolution, transforming the way we work and live. For centuries, manual labor was the backbone of industry, with workers toiling in factories, performing repetitive and often dangerous tasks. But with the advent of automation, the nature of work began to change. Machines and robots began to take over these tasks, making them faster, more efficient, and safer. Today, automation has become an essential part of our daily lives, and it"s hard to imagine a world without it. The first automated factories appeared in the late 18th century, using machines to perform tasks that had previously been done by hand. These early machines were primitive by today"s standards, but they laid the foundation for the automation revolution that was to come. As automation technology advanced, robots became more sophisticated. They were no longer just tools for performing repetitive tasks.
