Computer automation: More than just a buzzword

Computer automation involves using computer systems to perform tasks that traditionally required human intervention. This can range from simple, repetitive tasks like data entry, to complex business process automation involving multiple steps and decision-making. Automation computers are the backbone of these systems, providing the processing power, memory, and storage necessary to execute automation tasks reliably and efficiently.

Automation: A multifaceted approach

Automation comes in various forms, each with its own strengths and applications:

• Robotic Process Automation (RPA): RPA uses software robots to mimic human actions, interacting with applications and systems just like a human worker would. This is particularly effective for automating repetitive tasks and business processes that involve structured data and clear rules. 

• Industrial Automation: In the manufacturing sector, automation plays a crucial role in controlling manufacturing processes, operating machinery, and ensuring quality control. Automation computers are essential for running control systems and industrial automation software, enabling precise process control and real-time monitoring.  

  • A key part of this is the Human-Machine Interface (HMI), often run using a panel PC, which provides operators with a visual, intuitive platform to monitor, control, and interact with the automated systems.

• Task Automation: This involves automating specific tasks within a larger workflow, such as sending email notifications, generating reports, or processing orders. Task automation can be achieved through various automation tools and scripting languages.

Automation tools: The building blocks of efficiency

A wide range of automation tools are available to help businesses optimize their operations. These tools can be broadly categorized into:

• Automation Software: Platforms that provide a visual interface for designing and deploying automation workflows.

• Scripting Languages: Languages like Python which are commonly used for automation due to their flexibility and extensive libraries. Scripting allows for custom automation solutions tailored to specific needs.

• API Integration: Many applications offer APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that allow them to be integrated with other systems and automated. This enables seamless data exchange and workflow optimization.

The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in automation

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in automation. AI-powered automation tools can learn from data, adapt to changing conditions, and make intelligent decisions. This opens up new possibilities for automation, allowing businesses to automate more complex tasks and processes.

• Machine learning (ML): This is a subset of AI that enables systems to learn from data without explicit programming. ML algorithms can be used to automate tasks like fraud detection and make predictive maintenance recommendations.

• Machine vision: This technology allows computers to "see" and interpret visual data from the world using cameras and image processing software. It is critical for quality control, inspection, object recognition, and guiding robotic systems in manufacturing and logistics.

• Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP focuses on enabling computers to understand and process human language. This is used in automation for tasks like chatbots, sentiment analysis, and automated document processing.

Automation computers: The hardware behind the software

While automation software and tools are essential, they rely on powerful automation computers to function effectively. These computers need to have:

• High-performance processors: Automation tasks often involve processing large amounts of data, requiring powerful processors such as an Intel® Core™ Ultra CPU, to ensure smooth and efficient operation.

• Ample memory: Sufficient memory is crucial for running multiple automation tasks concurrently and handling complex workflows.

• Reliable storage: Secure and reliable storage is necessary for making automation scripts, data, and logs available to the various automation systems.

• Robust connectivity: Automation computers often need to communicate with other systems and devices, especially in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications, requiring reliable network connectivity.

• Industrial-grade design: For industrial automation applications, industrial computers are ruggedized and fanless to withstand harsh environments and operate within a wide temperature range. They also offer a wide variety of I/O for connectivity compatibility with legacy equipment.

• Certifications and compliance: Industrial environments often require computers to meet specific regulatory standards (e.g., CE, FCC, UL) and withstand harsh conditions like shock and vibration. Including a requirement for relevant industry certifications ensures the hardware is safe, legal, and reliable for its intended use.

• Power flexibility and management: Beyond just reliable storage, automation computers often need wide-range DC power input (e.g., 9-36V) to handle fluctuating industrial power sources, and sometimes even features like ignition sensing control for mobile applications or power redundancy for mission-critical operations.

• Appropriate operating systems: The choice of operating system depends on the specific automation software and tools being used. Common options include Windows, Linux, and real-time operating systems (RTOS).

Benefits of automation: Why it matters

Automation offers a wide range of benefits for businesses of all sizes:

• Increased efficiency: Automation eliminates human errors, speeds up workflows, and allows computer systems to operate 24/7, significantly increasing productivity.

  • Check out our customer story about Inwatec and their automated industrial laundry solutions

• Reduced costs: By automating repetitive tasks, businesses can reduce labor costs and minimize errors that lead to wasted time and resources.

  • Check out our customer story on Rigorous Technology who develops robotic solutions for automating repetitive tasks in a smart warehouse. 

• Improved accuracy: Automation eliminates human errors and ensures consistent execution of tasks, leading to higher accuracy and quality.

• Enhanced scalability: Automation makes it easier to scale operations up or down as needed, providing flexibility and agility.

• Better decision-making: Automation provides access to real-time data and insights, enabling more informed decision-making.

• Employee empowerment: By automating mundane tasks, automation frees up employees to focus on more creative and strategic work, leading to increased job satisfaction.

Use cases where automation shines

The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of ManufacturingTomorrow

OnLogic

OnLogic is a global industrial computer manufacturer who designs highly-configurable, solution-focused computers engineered for reliability at the IoT edge. Their systems operate in the world's harshest environments, empowering customers to solve their most complex computing challenges, no matter their industry. OnLogic has helped more than 70,000 customers worldwide advance their ideas with computers that are designed to last, built to order and delivered in days.

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