Trends in Hardware & Software Design: The Rise of Automation
Efficiency in operations is a timeless pursuit. The difference comes down to the technologies available at the time to assist in the process. In today’s environment, that means tools connected to the streamlining of IT-OT convergence, which lends itself to automation.
Automation is quickly becoming a go-to strategy. A study by LNS Research concluded that “50% of industrial transformation leaders have an autonomous plant initiative formalized,” according to Automation.com.
The Shift to Automation
Although the word automation has been tossed around for some time, there was a major event that accelerated its adoption – the pandemic. The same study by LNS Research estimated that 41% of the leaders surveyed enhanced autonomous plant initiatives because of the pandemic. A significant driver was the transition to remote work. This trend highlighted the need to create sustainable systems and operations.
One example of an industry that turned to automation with remote work as an influencing factor was automotive, especially when considering fleet management. In addition to allowing control over aspects such as equipment tracking, maintenance, fuel consumption and driver management, Robotics & Automation reports that software design is also opening up possibilities around visibility into real-time locations, driver behavior and more. Due to such potential, that particular market is projected to reach $11.4 million by 2027.
The Role of Software and Hardware
As pointed out in the example of fleet management, software innovation is also a key element of another automation technology offering sweeping efficiency, robotics automation. Robotics automation can improve data collection and analysis, better decision making and even enhance safety functions among other benefits. In order for it to fulfill this promise though, it requires “the proper hardware and software offerings,” as described by Lian Jye Su at Robotics Business Review.
In addition to software, there have been advances in hardware as well. For instance, robotics hardware has made it possible for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to develop robots that can take in their surroundings. In turn, these further drive other progressions like machine learning algorithms, sensor technologies, edge computing, etc.
Recommendations for Implementing Automation
As advances in software and hardware are assembled to meet growing automation demand, there are a few things to keep in mind. Perhaps the most important is investing in your team. The initiative to integrate automation is best when led by talent equipped with the right skills. So, it is important to fil out your staff with a mix of new experts and existing members that are trained to work in this evolving world.
Implementing automation also means that you must be willing to remain flexible to new developments and open to control technology. At AtomTech™, we pride ourselves on our network of engineers and other industry leaders who can help guide this transition and provide insight on software and hardware innovations. Make sure to reach out with any questions.
Sources
“Industrial Autonomy on the Horizon” - Joe Bastone, Automation.com
https://www.automation.com/en-us/articles/january-2022/industrial-autonomy-horizon
“The future of fleet management: Trends in system design” - Mark Allinson, Robotics & Automation
https://roboticsandautomationnews.com/2022/09/19/the-future-of-fleet-management-trends-in-system-design/54812/
“Edge ML and Robotics Critical for Digitalization and Industrial Automation Initiatives” - Lian Jye Su, Robotics Business Review
https://www.roboticsbusinessreview.com/rbr/edge-ml-and-robotics-critical-for-digitalization-and-industrial-automation-initiatives/