CHM- 608

Standard Methods and Quality Assurance

Automation in Analytical Methods

Assignment Title: Types of Automation with Examples

Submitted To: Dr. Kiran Aftab

Submitted By: Ayesha Sattar

Roll No. 15712

Program: BS Chemistry (Morning)

 Types of Automation with Examples

Automation Methods:

One of the major developments in analytical chemistry during the last few decades has been
appearance of commercial automated analytical systems which provide control information
and advanced data management capacity by the use of modern controllers, sensors and other
devices without human intervention.

Types of Automation:

Today, many routine determinations and analysis as well as demanding analysis are made with
totally or partially automated systems. In various fields like pharmaceutical, environmental,
forensic, governmental, and universities research laboratories, it has been widely spread for
various purposes.

Following are the major types which revolutionized the global village.

(a) Information Technology (IT):

It is a powerful tool that accelerates the IT infrastructure and applications by
automating manual procedures that required human touch before. It allows IT staff to
do work more strategically rather than administratively. Through automation, IT has
been more responsive to business world and with minimal human errors.

Example:
Recent IT automation work includes Artificial Intelligence that creates smarter processes
for unpredictable situations. To create networking or security templates ad to configure
applications allowing IT staff to do work more quickly.

(b) Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM):

 To automate the manufacturing process, the use of software and computer-controlled
machinery, CAM has been widely used. It allows to create designs and objects directly
from computer designs and software rather than human involvement.

Example:
To create a 3D model or design of a part, a designer will use CAD (Computer Aided
Design) software that will talk with CAM tools to further set up the processes and
produce number of identical copies of the physical item automatically, thus reducing the
production time and errors.

(c) Computer Numerically-Controlled Equipment (CNC):

In modern era, the machine tools execute operations sequentially on parts or products
in a programmed version. For that purpose, all individual machines have their own
computers, referred as computerized numerical controlled (CNC) machines. If they
share the same computer then called as direct numerical controlled machines.
Example:
• CNC Plasma\Laser Cutter- which cuts the material such as steel or other heavy
metal using plasma torch.
• CNC Milling Machine- can translate specific programs of numbers and letters to
move the spindle. It involves tapping, drilling and milling.
• CNC Electric Discharge Machine- which creates specific shape within certain
material using electric spark.

(d) Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS):

One of the best systems in automation is FMS, that provides a great flexibility for any
kind of changes or modification or amendment in the product design or its output level.
This can be done within seconds by giving commands through codes by human
operators. Due to proper planning and programming precision, it reduces inventory.
 Example:

• Autonomous Mobile Robots.

• Container-Based Industrial Control.

• Buffer Storage.

• Autonomous Skilled Robots.

(e) Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM):

To control entire production process, the manufacturing approach of using integration
of computers exchanging information with each other. It is commonly used in factories
or plants for cost accounting, inventory control etc.

Major elements of CIM are:

• Storage and retrieval automated system.
• Central management control system.
• Proper communication system
• Continuous conveyor.
Example:
In an automated canning factory, CIM is mainly concerned with the information
processing tasks at all levels of the factory and its management, including
humans and technology, such as CAD, CAM and the business data processing
system, whereas FMS provides the essential computer-controlled manufacturing
tools and shop floor control system for CIM to execute the computer-generated
plans and schedules that take account of a total system rather than just one
machine, one cell or shop.