4 Different Types of Automation – With Examples for Each

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses are under increasing pressure to optimize their operations to remain competitive. One way to achieve this is by implementing different types of automation. Be it fixed, programmable, or flexible automation, each type has something to offer to different industries. From increasing efficiency to boosting bottom lines, automation has it covered.

When most people think of automation, they might picture the tireless assembly line robots found in a Tesla factory. Yet, automation has been around in some form or another since the earliest days of machinery. In fact, Oliver Evans’ grain milling machine in the 18th century and the mass production of automobiles by Henry Ford show early automation. Of course, the concept of automation has come a long way since then, with advances in fields like control engineering, AI, and robotics driving major breakthroughs in the 20th and 21st century.

Today, automation can refer to a wide range of applications across a variety of industries. For example, we might think of an assembly line robot at a Tesla gigafactory when talking about industrial automation. The 3D printer in your home workshop is an example of personal automation. Further, the chatbot on a customer service website is considered digital automation.

In this article, we’ll seek to understand the various types of automation and how they benefit our personal and professional lives. We’ll also look at a few examples showcasing the versatility and wide-ranging applications of automation in various settings.

Industrial Automation

This category includes any kind of automation designed for industrial settings, such as factories and power plants. Examples include SCADA systems, PLCs, and HMI interfaces. Industrial control automation helps monitor and control complex processes and machinery. In addition, they can help improve efficiency, reduce errors, and increase safety.

Let’s look at the various types of industrial automation.

Fixed Automation

Specialized equipment carries out a specific task in fixed automation. This type of automation is best suited for high-volume production of standardized products, such as mass production. The automotive industry commonly uses fixed automation for tasks such as painting and conveying material.

Fixed automation involves the use of equipment that performs a series of predetermined tasks in a specific order. This type of automation is ideal for producing products with a consistent production process that doesn’t require frequent changes. 

Fixed automation produces large quantities of products quickly and consistently. However, it lacks flexibility and cannot adapt easily to changes in the production process.

Programmable Automation

Programmable automation refers to the use of software and computer-controlled equipment to automate tasks. This type of automation is best suited for tasks that require a high degree of precision and accuracy. It’s also ideal for producing small batches of products that require frequent changes to the production process. The electronics industry commonly uses programmable automation for tasks such as printed circuit board assembly. Another example is a company that produces customized cell phone cases using programmable automation to switch between different molds quickly to produce cases for various models of phones.

We can break programmable automation down further into two types: robotic and process automation.

Robotic Automation

Robotic automation involves the use of robots to perform tasks such as welding and assembly. This type of automation is ideal for tasks that need great accuracy. It also suits tasks that are dangerous or difficult for humans to perform. The automotive industry commonly utilizes robotic automation for tasks such as welding and painting.

Process Automation

Programmable process automation involves the use of software and computer-controlled equipment to automate repetitive tasks. For example, we commonly automate assembly line operations, quality control, and material handling. This type of automation is ideal for tasks that are time-consuming and repetitive. Thus, automating them frees up employees to focus on more complex tasks. Process automation can reduce errors and improve efficiency by eliminating the need for manual interventions.

Various industries such as automotive and manufacturing commonly use process automation for tasks like welding and material handling, improving accuracy, throughput, and customer satisfaction. The fast-food industry utilizes process automation for high-volume production and quick turnaround times, as seen in the automated McDonald’s drive-through. The system employs digital signage, touchscreen interfaces, and voice recognition to expedite orders and reduce wait times. By automating the drive-through process, McDonald’s is able to deliver fast and reliable service to its customers. At the same time, they maintain consistent quality and reduce labor costs. 

In general, programmable automation offers flexibility and versatility in production. It allows for quick and easy changes to the production process, which is especially useful for the fast production of small batches of products, implementation cost notwithstanding.

Types of Flexible Automation

Flexible automation involves using equipment that people can easily reconfigure to perform different tasks. It works best for tasks requiring frequent changes to the production process. Here are a few types of flexible automation:

CNC Automation

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) automation involves the use of computer-controlled equipment to perform tasks such as cutting and shaping materials. This type of automation is ideal for producing products with complex shapes and designs. CNC automation is commonly used in the manufacturing industry for tasks such as machining and cutting.

CNC automation is highly precise and can produce complex shapes and designs quickly. A company that produces custom furniture might use CNC automation to cut and shape pieces of wood precisely for different designs.

AGV Automation

AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) automation involves the use of self-guided vehicles to transport materials and products around a production facility. This type of automation is ideal for tasks that require frequent movement of materials and products. The automotive industry commonly uses AGV automation for tasks such as transporting car parts.

AGV automation can improve efficiency by reducing the need for manual transportation of materials and products. It can also be used to transport materials and products in hazardous environments. Another instance is when a company that produces electronic components uses AGV automation to transport materials between different stages of the production process.

Business Process Automation

Business process automation, or BPA, is a form of automation that has been gaining popularity in recent years, particularly in the realm of marketing and enterprise processes. BPA utilizes digital software tools to automate repetitive tasks, such as data entry, customer service or invoice processing. Thus, freeing up valuable time and resources for employees to focus on more strategic activities.

By streamlining workflows and eliminating time-consuming manual tasks, BPA can help organizations improve efficiency, reduce errors, and ultimately boost productivity. Popular process automation tools like Zapier and IFTTT allow businesses to automate a wide range of tasks. For example, businesses can automate sending automated email responses or creating custom integrations between different software applications.

BPA may not be suitable for every business process. However, it can be a powerful tool for organizations looking to increase efficiency and reduce costs. With the right tools and strategies in place, BPA can help businesses to stay competitive in an increasingly fast-paced and complex marketplace. So, whether you’re looking to streamline your marketing processes or automate your invoicing, there’s never been a better time to explore the benefits of business process automation.

Home and Personal Process Automation

Home and personal process automation have become increasingly popular over the past few years. With the rise of smart home devices and tools like the open-source Home Assistant, we can now automate various tasks around the house, from turning on the lights to adjusting the temperature, and even monitoring our home security remotely.

Similarly, personal process automation allows us to automate personal tasks, from scheduling appointments to managing files and other processes, with tools like Microsoft Power Automate. For example, with Siri or Alexa, you can set reminders, create to-do lists, and even order groceries online without ever leaving your couch.

Automation has become a part of our everyday lives, and it’s only going to become more integrated in the future. With the rise of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), we can expect to see even more innovation in home and personal automation in the coming years.

An individual might, for instance, use a combination of smart home devices, digital automation tools, and personal assistants to automate their daily routine. They might use a smart thermostat to adjust the temperature in their home, a personal assistant like Siri or Alexa to schedule appointments and reminders, and a mobile app to manage their finances and bills. By integrating these different tools, they can create a more streamlined and efficient workflow. They can then free up time for more important tasks.

The convenience and efficiency that automation brings to our lives is hard to ignore. By using smart home devices and personal automation tools, we can focus on what really matters. We can focus on spending time with our loved ones, pursuing our passions, and enjoying life to the fullest.

Integrated Automation

Integrated automation refers to the use of multiple types of automation technologies and systems working together in a coordinated and seamless manner. By combining different automation tools, individuals and businesses can achieve even greater efficiencies and cost savings.

For example, a manufacturing facility might use industrial automation to handle the assembly of products, while also utilizing digital process automation to streamline inventory management and supply chain operations. By integrating these two systems, they can better manage the flow of materials and products, reduce waste, and improve their overall production output.

Final Word

Automation has revolutionized processes like operations and production, allowing businesses to streamline their operations, cut costs, and improve their bottom line. The various types of automation we have discussed in this article offer a wide range of solutions for different business and personal needs.

Fixed automation, for instance, is ideal for high-volume production of standardized products, while programmable automation offers flexibility and versatility in production. Business automation is best suited for tasks that require frequent and repetitive actions, like data entry and record keeping. 

Choosing the right type of automation for your business can be a complex decision, one that requires a thorough understanding of your production needs and goals. By weighing the pros and cons of each type of automation, you can make an informed decision that will help you maximize efficiency, quality, and your bottom line. 

That said, the key to successful automation is not simply to adopt the latest technology, but to find the right balance between human ingenuity and machine efficiency. By leveraging the strengths of both, you can create a production process that is not only more efficient and cost-effective but also more resilient, adaptable, and sustainable in the long term.