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The authors and editors of this Handbook have attempted to fill a serious gap in the professional literature on industrial automation. Much past attention has been directed to the general concepts and philosophy of automation as a way to convince owners and managers of manufacturing facilities that automation is indeed one of the few avenues available to increase productivity and improve competitive position. Seventy-three contributors share their knowledge in this Handbook. Less attention has been given to the "What" and "How" of automation. To the extent feasible and practical within the confines of the pages allowed, this Handbook concentrates on the implementation of automation. Once the "Go" signal has been given by management, concrete details-not broad definitions and philosophical discussions-are required. To be found in this distinctly different book in the field are detailed parameters for designing and specifying equipment, the options available with an evaluation of their relative advantages and limitations, and insights for engineers and production managers on the operation and capabilities of present-generation automation system components, subsystems, and total systems. In a number of instances, the logical extension of current technology into the future is given. A total of 445 diagrams and photos and 57 tables augments detailed discussions. In addition to its use as a ready reference for technical and management personnel, the book has wide potential for training and group discussions at the college and university level and for special education programs as may be provided by consultants or by "in-house" training personnel.
List of contents
1. Backdrop to Automation Systems.- Automation-The Multifacted Technology.- Annotated Glossary of General Automation Terms.- 2. Sensors and Measuring Systems.- Motion, Position, Speed, Velocity-Geometric Variables I.- Dimension, Displacement, Thickness-Geometric Variables II.- Object Detection, Proximity, Presence, Nonpresence-Geometric Variables III.- Machine Vision.- Machine Vision-State-of-the-Art Systems.- 3. Control Systems.- Control System Architecture.- Programmable Controllers.- Programmable Controllers-State-of-the-Art Systems.- Programming the Programmable Controller.- Sequence Controllers-Hardware / Software Trends.- Expert System and Model-Based Self-Tuning Controllers.- Numerical Control and Computer Numerical Control.- Computer Numerical Control-State-of-the-Art Systems.- 4. Actuators and Materials-Transfer Systems.- Robots in Perspective.- Robot Technology Fundamentals.- A Robot Dynamics Simulator.- Control of Actuators in Multilegged Robots.- Servomotor and Servosystem Design Trends.- Stepper Motors and Controls.- Linear and Planar Motors.- Solid-State Variable Speed Drives.- Materials Motion / Handling Systems.- 5. Interfaces and Communications.- User Interfacing to Process Computer Controls.- Local Area Networks (LANs).- Communication Standards for Automated Systems.- Index follows Section.
