Unit – 05

Applications of Industrial Automation

In Manufacturing

Industrial automation has revolutionized the manufacturing industry. Here are some applications:
1. Industrial Robots: These are used for a variety of tasks. For example, welding robots are used to
perform high precision welding tasks, while pick and place robots are used to move items from one
location to another in a production line.
2. Cabots: These are autonomous mobile robots that are used for material handling and
transportation within a manufacturing facility.
3. Machine Monitoring Systems: These systems collect data from machines and use it to optimize
performance and prevent downtime. They can predict when a machine is likely to fail, allowing for
preventative maintenance.
4. Supply Chain Automation: This involves automating the various processes involved in the supply
chain, such as order processing, inventory management, and transportation.
5. Automated Assembly Systems: These systems use automation to assemble products, reducing the
need for manual labour and increasing efficiency.
6. Flexible Automation: This is a system that is capable of producing a variety of parts with virtually no
time lost for changeovers from one part style to the next. It’s highly effective when a
manufacturer’s product demand is uncertain or when product demand is uniformly distributed in
high volume over many different products.
7. Programmable Automation: This system is designed to produce one type of part or product in large
lot sizes. The operation sequence is controlled by a program, which is a set of instructions coded so
that the system can read and interpret them.
These applications not only increase efficiency and productivity but also improve safety by performing tasks
that may be dangerous for humans.

In Health Care

Industrial automation has found numerous applications in the healthcare sector, enhancing efficiency,
accuracy, and patient care. Here are some examples:
1. Microscopic Robots for Medical Diagnosis: Microscopic robots, also known as microbots or
nanobots, are being developed to perform tasks within the human body that would be otherwise
invasive or impossible123. These robots can be used for targeted drug delivery, tissue repair, and
even medical diagnosis123.
2. Automated Medication Dispensing Devices: These devices are used to store and dispense
medications in a controlled manner45. They improve patient safety by reducing medication errors
and enhance efficiency by automating administrative tasks56.
3. AESOP: AESOP (AI-Enhanced Safety of Prescription) is a medical AI startup that uses machine
learning to make physician data entry easier, faster, and less error-prone78. It can detect potential
errors in prescriptions and provide optimal recommendations7.
4. ZEUS: ZEUS is a remote presence robot that assists in patient monitoring9. It allows doctors to stay
in touch with patients in their hospital rooms without having to make personal rounds every day9.
5. RP-7 (Remote Presence 7th Generation): The RP-7 is a remote presence robot that enables a
medical specialist to mentor a physician or surgeon at a remote site using a high-speed Internet
connection1011.
 6. DaVinci: DaVinci is a private sector initiative that addresses the needs of the Value Based Care
Community by leveraging the HL7 FHIR platform12. It also refers to an innovative digital healthcare
platform that focuses on the health of the customers13.
These applications not only increase efficiency and productivity but also improve safety by performing tasks
that may be dangerous for humans.

In Defence

Industrial automation has found numerous applications in the defense sector, enhancing efficiency,
accuracy, and strategic capabilities. Here are some examples:
1. Guided Rockets and Missiles: Guided rockets and missiles use advanced control strategies for
precise targeting1. They are powered by rocket engines and can be controlled during flight to some
extent2. For example, the Akash missile system developed by the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system3.
2. Counter Measures: Counter measures in defense include electronic countermeasures (ECM) and
software assurance countermeasures. ECMs are electrical or electronic devices designed to trick or
deceive radar, sonar, or other detection systems4. Software assurance countermeasures help
programs develop a plan and statement of requirements for software assurance early in the
acquisition lifecycle5.
3. UAV Drones: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones are used for surveillance, reconnaissance,
and sometimes even combat missions6. For example, the Indian Armed Forces use various UAVs like
the Searcher UAV, Heron UAV, Netra Quadcopter, DRDO Lakshya, and Harpy Loitering Munition7.
4. Launcher: Launchers in defense are used to deploy missiles or rockets. For instance, each Akash
battery consists of four self-propelled Launchers (3 Akash SAMs each), a Battery Level Radar - the
Rajendra, and a Command post (Battery Control Centre)3.
5. Radar Antenna: Radar antennas are crucial components of defense systems. They are used for
detecting and tracking air and missile targets8. For example, the Patriot radar combines surveillance,
tracking, and engagement functions in one unit9.
6. Engagement Control System: Engagement control systems in defense coordinate the operation of
equipment and computer programs for effective air and missile defense10. They integrate an
acquisition and tracking sensor used for fire control, a battle management command and control
system, and guided missiles10.

In Automobile

Sure, here’s a brief explanation of each system you mentioned:

1. Industrial Automation in Automobile: Industrial automation in the automobile industry involves
the use of control systems such as computers or robots for handling different processes and
machinery in the industry to replace human operators1.
2. Break Monitoring System: This system monitors the condition of the vehicle’s brakes and alerts the
driver if there are any issues. It can help prevent accidents caused by brake failure2.
3. Vehicle Tracking System: A vehicle tracking system uses GPS technology to monitor the location of a
vehicle in real-time. This can be useful for fleet management, theft prevention, and more3.
4. Rear-view Alarm: This system uses sensors to detect obstacles behind the vehicle when reversing. It
alerts the driver if there’s a risk of collision4.
5. Four-wheel Drive: Four-wheel drive is a drivetrain system that delivers power to all four wheels of a
vehicle simultaneously, improving traction particularly in off-road conditions5.
 6. Traction Control System: A traction control system prevents loss of traction (wheel spin) by
automatically adjusting the power output to the wheels. This helps maintain vehicle stability and
control6.
7. Dynamic Steering Response: Dynamic steering response is a system that adjusts the steering based
on various factors such as current road conditions and vehicle speed, improving handling and
safety7.
8. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during sudden braking,
allowing the driver to maintain control over the vehicle. It improves vehicle safety, particularly in
slippery conditions8.
9. Adaptive Cruise Control: Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to
maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. It can reduce driver fatigue on long journeys9.
10. Adaptive Headlamps: Adaptive headlamps adjust their direction based on the steering wheel
movement and sometimes vehicle speed, improving visibility on curved roads at night10.
11. Intelligent Parking Assist System: This system assists drivers in parking by using sensors to guide
the vehicle into a parking spot.
12. Driverless/Autonomous Cars: These vehicles use various sensors, cameras, and AI algorithms to
drive themselves without human input, potentially increasing safety and efficiency.
Each of these systems contributes to enhancing vehicle performance, safety, and convenience.

In Agriculture

Industrial automation has significantly transformed the agriculture sector. Here are some applications:
1. Harvesters: Harvesters are machines used for harvesting crops. They can be equipped with various
sensors to gather a large amount of information, including grain yield, moisture levels, soil
properties, and more1. This helps farmers make informed decisions about their fields.
2. Irrigation Systems: Various types of irrigation systems are used in agriculture, such as drip irrigation,
sprinkler irrigation, and surface irrigation2. These systems help provide the necessary water to crops
for their growth and development.
3. Plowing Machines: Plowing machines are used for plowing and soil cultivation. They cut, granulate,
and invert the soil, creating furrows and ridges3. This helps in the restoration of the ideal structure
of the soil and mixing the clods, leaving space on the surface for the birth of new plants4.
4. Self-Driving Tractors: Self-driving tractors are revolutionizing the agricultural industry by removing
the human element and easing labor supply at a time when recruitment in the sector is dwindling5.
Companies like John Deere have revealed fully autonomous tractors that are ready for large-scale
production6.
5. Grain Yield Sensor: Grain yield sensors provide farmers with accurate and often geo-referenced
data about their field. They can monitor grain yield by a field-by-field or load-by-load basis, giving
farmers a huge amount of flexibility as well as providing them with instant information about the
load they have gathered1.
These applications not only increase efficiency and productivity but also improve safety by performing tasks
that may be dangerous for humans.
In Mining

Industrial automation has a wide range of applications in the mining industry. Here are some examples:
1. Mine Planning System: This involves both mine design and scheduling of mining activities. The goal
is to create a mine that allows exploitation of the reserve in a safe, economic, and environmentally
responsible manner1234.
2. Mine Picture Compilation: This involves using various imaging technologies to capture and compile
images of the mine for various purposes567.
3. Mine Control System: This system is essential for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of a
mining site. It makes processes visible from end to end and delivers real-time information and data
on the mining operations8910.
4. Seismic Imaging: This technique uses seismic waves to gain information about the internal structure
of rock masses. It plays an increasingly important role in stress distribution and mitigating seismic
hazards as mines increase their use of seismic monitoring systems11121314.
5. Laser Imaging: Laser imaging technology is quickly accelerating and changing the landscape of the
mining industry. The increased use of automation technology has considerable potential to increase
productivity and safety at mines while decreasing expenses151617.
6. Rig Control System: This system provides the next step for the mining industry from the automation
program that brought autonomous drilling into a sustainable reality18192021.
7. Automated Drilling: Automated drilling rigs eliminate the need for labor and improve productivity.
This consequently drives emerging companies to develop automation solutions for improving
worker safety in mineral exploration operations22232425.
8. Automated Exploration: The use of drones in exploration is becoming more popular. Drones offer a
means to take photographs from great heights, and in relatively remote locations, that can capture
a great swath of the environment2627.
9. Automated Truck: Autonomous mining trucks are driverless mine heavy vehicles that can sense the
environment and navigate on the mine haul road surface without any human intervention28293031.