An emerging and exciting field, automation engineering represents the future of the industrial and manufacturing sectors. However, the consumers who promise to benefit from automated equipment processes often poorly understand them. These include greater efficiency, accuracy, safety, and sustainability throughout complex manufacturing and fabrication processes.
Automation engineers play a critical role in facilitating these advancements. Their efforts contribute to the automated systems’ planning, design, and installation. They also ensure that these systems continue producing impressive outcomes long after implementation.
Insights from the ARC Advisory Group indicate a strong demand for automation engineers. The same insights also suggest that the field is quickly changing due to the many technological opportunities accompanying artificial intelligence.
Strong technical and leadership training can help the automation engineers of tomorrow rise to the occasion and leverage today’s most cutting-edge tools and technologies. Keep reading to discover what this industry involves and where it’s headed in the future.
What Is Automation Engineering?
Automation engineering draws on cutting-edge technologies to develop computer or robot-driven systems and processes that limit the need for humans to handle manual tasks. Typically involving the design, programming, and testing of automated solutions, this practice applies critical software engineering concepts to a variety of industrial processes, boosting productivity and accuracy.
Core Objectives of Automation Engineering
Automation engineering strives to streamline manufacturing and other industrial processes, thereby maximizing production and throughput while avoiding defects and cutting costs. These ambitious objectives can be achieved by implementing the core components of automation engineering, as highlighted below:
Process Automation
Process automation provides a road map for executing manual or repetitive motions with ease. This road map is highly strategic. SAP explains that automating critical functions aims to “accomplish defined organizational goals, such as producing a product.” This automation might involve sensors, software, and programmable logic controllers in manufacturing and other industrial applications.
System Integration
Automation engineering technologies are only effective if they work cohesively to support the big-picture goals of streamlined and efficient processes. System integration provides a holistic view of complex operations, enabling capturing critical details without losing sight of the big picture.
Data Acquisition and Analysis
Data has a powerful role to play in the automation engineering landscape of tomorrow. Automated strategies have the unique power to collect and synthesize a wealth of information, which can then be leveraged to support strategic decision-making. Real-time data is valuable as it allows for swift adjustments in response to evolving trends or conditions.
12 Key Technologies and Components in Automation Engineering
Automation engineering depends on a series of advanced tools, technologies, and equipment to expedite manufacturing processes while also leveraging relevant data. We have highlighted several of the most impactful technologies below:
1. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
PLCs are industrialized computer systems that can perform complex applications. As mentioned previously, these play a crucial role in facilitating process automation. Key components include:
- Central processing units
- Input/out (I/O) terminals or cards
- Power supplies
2. Robotics
When most people picture industrial automation, robotics comes to mind. These versatile, programmable systems can complete a variety of critical tasks, ranging from welding and painting to picking and packing. They have largely replaced manual labor in several areas of the industrial sector and promise to improve efficiency and accuracy in healthcare, agriculture, and beyond.
3. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
Made up of smart sensors and various other cutting-edge devices, the modern IIoT forms a vast ecosystem referred to as the “intersection between information technology and operational technology.” This promotes greater system integration while boosting visibility in all areas of the supply chain. In the context of Industry 4.0, IIoT underscores the takeover of smart manufacturing and, if integrated with AI and cloud computing, can limit the potential for siloed information.
4. Control Systems
Control systems engineering relies on the application and optimization of automatic control systems, which can achieve specific and often ambitious objectives under distinct constraints. Today’s nuanced control systems are made up of several inputs and outputs but hold powerful implications for increasing throughput and responding to industrial challenges.
5. Machine Vision
Granting computers and devices the ability to ‘see,’ machine vision utilizes digital sensors, along with hardware and software capable of processing complex visual information. This expands the reach of modern quality control and can also elevate tracking and visibility opportunities within many types of facilities.
6. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning have the power to enhance nearly every industrial operation imaginable. Predictive maintenance represents one of the most compelling and accessible opportunities related to the proliferation of AI. Beyond this, AI can be integrated with cutting-edge technologies to tackle manual tasks or otherwise improve workflows. Machine learning takes this to the next level, allowing computerized systems to improve their performance without explicitly being programmed to accomplish that end.
7. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems
Reliant on PLCs and remote terminal units (RTUs), SCADA software processes and displays data gathered by a variety of sensors and machines. From there, automation engineers and other professionals can analyze this data to secure actionable insights. These systems increasingly draw on the power of SQL databases and are valuable for automating highly complex processes beyond the scope of manual human contributions.
8. Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)
Integrating physical and computer-based components to great effect, cyber-physical systems build on the concept of embedded technology, in which the nuances of physical processes can be more effectively leveraged and managed by integrating digital solutions. This process calls for strong network connective and real-time computing capabilities, with communication between physical and digital components forming feedback loops.
9. Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
As an exciting alternative to traditional manufacturing processes such as subtractive (involving the removal of materials) and formative (reshaping materials), additive manufacturing occurs when items are built layer by layer. This process is typically referenced in the context of 3D manufacturing, which promises greater customization and enhanced efficiency from prototyping to production.
10. Simulation Software
Amplifying computer-based modeling, simulation software can observe operations to help predict how systems will behave. This is a valuable solution for designing and evaluating new solutions, as simulated software makes it possible to test cutting-edge systems under unique conditions that can be challenging to replicate.
11. Sensors and Instrumentation
Capable of detecting changes in temperature, location, electrical current, and more, industrial sensors play a crucial role in monitoring equipment and general performance. Data gathered and transmitted by these sensors can be analyzed to promote strategic decision-making.
12: Industrial Networking
Industrial networking refers to hardware and solutions that link industrial devices to facilitate data transfer. It underscores the various sensors, devices, and software we’ve already discussed. Because many platforms and channels are built into today’s automated solutions, it takes nuanced industrial networking to streamline communications. This communication ensures that various systems work together to promote big-picture objectives such as enhanced efficiency and accuracy.
Applications in Automation Engineering Technology
Although generally associated with industrial applications, automation engineering is a diverse field with the potential to transform some sectors and niches. We’ve highlighted a few of the most promising opportunities below:
Manufacturing
The proliferation of automation engineering technology has primarily occurred within the manufacturing industry. From textiles to electronics and even food and beverages, automated engineering promotes targeted solutions that take the unique needs of each manufacturing niche into account.
Automotive
Automation engineering plays heavily into vehicle manufacturing, but this is just one corner of the automotive industry that promises to benefit from implementing cutting-edge AET solutions. Strategies that already dominate tire manufacturing, engine manufacturing, and automotive assembly can also have a huge influence on dealership management and even vehicle diagnostics.
Aerospace
Automation has entered the aerospace industry in a big way, but intelligent aerospace systems face numerous challenges. By implementing AET solutions, industry leaders hope to drive significant gains in operational efficiency, sustainability, and safety. For instance, structural health monitoring (SHM) has been cited as one of the most powerful opportunities to deliver real-time diagnostics while drawing on the power of sensors, smart materials, and more.
Energy
The energy sector faces numerous challenges, ranging from fuel shortages to grid security. A myriad of these issues can be tackled by leveraging advanced solutions that fall within the scope of AET. Often, this relates to the efficient and cost-effective production of sustainable energy infrastructure: consider automation in manufacturing wind turbines or automated installation strategies for implementing solar power.
Healthcare
Robot-assisted surgery promises to bring a new level of precision to the healthcare sector, and promising research suggests that this approach is hugely beneficial for patients. This includes better surgical outcomes, faster recovery times, and a reduced risk of complications. Automation engineering may have several other applications in healthcare and related fields, including optimized pharmaceutical manufacturing, expedited laboratory processes, and even patient monitoring systems.
Home and Building Automation
Housing shortages call for dynamic and cost-effective building strategies that reduce the cost of new builds while also facilitating long-term reductions in utility expenses via smart home technology. In this way, automated engineering can drive the efficient production of additional automated solutions.
Meanwhile, the very automated systems successfully implemented in industrial environments are often later applied in residential settings. So, efforts to automate the industrial sector can have ripple effects that ultimately benefit home consumers.
The Future of Automation Engineering
Automation engineering promises to upend every element of the industrial sector, driving huge improvements in operational efficiency and exciting opportunities to boost sustainability and even promote personalized products. Exciting trends already beginning to emerge include:
1. Integration of Advanced Robotics
Present-day robotic solutions are already impressive, but this is only the beginning. The advanced robotics of tomorrow will be able to interact with their environments and may even integrate machine learning to respond intelligently to commands. These will be integrated in a wide range of industrial applications, ranging from automotive and aerospace manufacturing to warehousing and logistics.
2. Proliferation of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
IIoT might be in its infancy, but it is already paying huge dividends across the broad scope of automation engineering. Projections from Polaris Market Research suggest that the global IIoT market will reach an astounding $2,580 billion by 2032.
3. Advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Data-driven processes promise to bring strategic insights to a variety of industrial enterprises. However, without effective solutions for processing and analysis, it can be easy to get lost in a sea of minimally relevant data. AI promises to bridge the gap, ensuring that a wealth of data is properly analyzed to drive accurate and impactful insights.
4. Increased Focus on Cybersecurity
Unfortunately, SCADA and other automation engineering elements can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Therein lies the need for robust cybersecurity solutions, along with an in-depth understanding of cybersecurity standards and codes that can help organizations safeguard sensitive data.
5. Sustainability and Green Automation
We’ve highlighted the value of automated engineering in renewable energy and for promoting smart home technology. That said, this is just one of plenty ways in which AET promises to enhance far-reaching sustainability initiatives. Automation strategies also have the power to reduce waste in manufacturing while driving a more efficient supply chain.
6. Customization and Personalization
Today’s consumers increasingly demand personalized products that feel unique but remain affordable. Both priorities are well within reach when automated solutions are leveraged. Namely, additive manufacturing provides exciting opportunities to personalize at scale, with modest adjustments implemented to abide by specific customer preferences without significantly increasing costs. Moving forward, 3D printing will increasingly be integrated with other automated technologies to produce even greater efficiency in personalized production.
7. Human-Robot Collaboration
Collaborative robots (also known as cobots) safely blend the productivity and accuracy of industrial robots with the creativity and strategic thinking of human employees. This is a huge trend in the industrial sector. Projections from Interact Analysis suggest that by 2027, the collaborative robot market will reach a staggering $7.5 billion, potentially making up nearly one-third of the total industrial robotics market. This will ultimately drive greater versatility across the full spectrum of automation engineering by building on the combined strengths of humans and robotic systems.
8. Wider Industry Adoption
While automation engineering is currently associated with manufacturing and automotive applications, the scope of the industry is beginning to expand. Increasingly, this means building automation engineering into service-oriented industries, including healthcare. With expanded industry adoption comes a broader range of specialties and associated career opportunities.
How to Become an Automation Engineer
If you find the many developments and opportunities highlighted above exciting, you could have a bright future in automation engineering. Still, this is a complex field, and you will need to develop a highly technical skill set along with soft skills such as agility and problem-solving. This means seeking a targeted education and leveraging opportunities for skill development. Critical steps for becoming an automation engineer include:
- Enrolling in a relevant bachelor-level program. Numerous college programs touch on high-level tech concepts. The Bachelor of Science in Automation Engineering Technology is an excellent option, as it covers essentials such as network topologies in the context of AET applications. To bring enhanced convenience to this process, consider seeking an automation engineering degree online.
- Seeking industry certifications. Employers are on the hunt for highly skilled professionals with a verifiable understanding of cutting-edge processes and technologies. An automation degree can go a long way toward conveying technical competency, but industry certifications take this to a whole new level. Many are issued by the International Society of Automation, such as the Certified Automation Professional (CAP) and the Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST). Consider seeking certifications that align with our unique career goals.
- Keeping up to date with continuing education courses. Given the fast pace of change within AET, professionals can expect to update their skills and resume continually. Achieving this task by continuing education or experiential learning experiences provides much-needed exposure to emerging tools, technologies, and methodologies.
Earn an Automation Degree at Baker College
Are you ready to make your mark as you help spur exciting innovations in the automation engineering industry? Gain an edge with a BS in Automation Engineering Technology from Baker College. This online automation engineering degree program equips you with cutting-edge skills and knowledge while preparing you to embrace a variety of unique career opportunities. Reach out today to learn more.