Название: Springer Handbook of Automation, 2nd Edition
Автор: Shimon Y. Nof
Издательство: Springer
Год: 2023
Страниц: 1533
Язык: английский
Формат: pdf (true)
Размер: 55.2 MB

This handbook incorporates new developments in automation. It also presents a widespread and well-structured conglomeration of new emerging application areas, such as medical systems and health, transportation, security and maintenance, service, construction and retail as well as production or logistics. The handbook is not only an ideal resource for automation experts but also for people new to this expanding field.

This thoroughly revised and updated second edition of the bestselling Springer Handbook of Automation provides the most advanced, comprehensive, and balanced coverage of the technical and engineering aspects of automation.

Starting with a holistic discussion on the history and societal impacts of automation, the book provides the tools to understand, design and implement automation solutions. This includes:

the scientific foundations, from traditional control theory to the latest developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning;
the technical aspects of automation design, from hardware such as mechatronics and sensors to cyber-physical systems and human-machine interaction, to collaborative automation;
the methods of automation integration in products, processes and services; and finally,
the technical, economic and ethical management of automation.

What is the meaning of automation? When discussing this term and concept with many colleagues and leading experts in various aspects of automation, control theory, robotics engineering, Artificial Intelligence, cyber systems, and Computer Science during the development of this second edition of the Springer Handbook of Automation, many of them have different definitions; they even argue vehemently that in their language, or their region of the world, or their professional domain, automation has a unique meaning and “we are not sure it is the same meaning for other experts.” Yet there has been no doubt, no confusion, and no hesitation that automation is powerful; it has tremendous and amazing impact on civilization, on humanity, and it may carry risks, even dangerous risks to individuals and to society.

This automation formalism can help us review some early examples that may also fall under the definition of automation (before the term automation was even coined), and differentiate from related terms, such as mechanization, cybernetics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, virtualization, digitalization, and cyberization (which are explained throughout this handbook chapters.)

Common to both robotics and automation are use of automatic control, and evolution with computing, communication, and cyber progress. As in automation, robotics also relies on four major components, including a platform, autonomy, process, and power source, but in robotics, a robot is often considered a machine, thus the platform is mostly a machine, a tool, or device, or a system of tools and devices. While robotics is, in a major way, about automation of motion and mobility, automation beyond robotics includes major areas based on software, decision-making, planning and optimization, systems collaboration, process automation, office automation, enterprise resource planning automation, and e-services. Nevertheless, there is clearly an overlap between automation and robotics; while to most people a robot means a machine with certain automation intelligence, to many an intelligent elevator, or highly automated machine tool, or even a computer may also imply a robot.

Readers will find the most complete and state-of-the-art overview on the implementation, effects and examples of automation in industrial contexts, as well as infrastructure, service, medical and healthcare, home, office and enterprise automation. The book concludes with up-to-date case studies from industrial forerunners.

Edited by an internationally renowned and experienced expert and supported by a distinguished advisory board, this Springer Handbook offers a wealth of information for industry practitioners, aspiring engineers and automation experts alike.