Automation
Automation refers to the use of systems, machines, software, and control logic to perform tasks with reduced or no human intervention.
Structure
Which are the dimensions of automation?
Every automation system includes:
- Sensing (perception)
- Actuation (execution)
- Control (logic or decision rules)
- Integration (connectivity, data flow)
- Computation (algorithms, ML models)
- Feedback (closed-loop behavior)
- Goals/Constraints (desired system behavior)
Levels of Intelligende
Which are the elvel of 'Inteleligence' in Automation?
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 — Manual | No automation. Human performs all actions; no sensing or logic. |
| 1 — Assistive | System provides information or alerts; human decides and acts. |
| 2 — Fixed Automation | Predefined rules/scripts (PLC logic). No adaptation. |
| 3 — Reactive Automation | Closed-loop control. System senses and automatically adjusts actions. |
| 4 — Adaptive Automation | System adjusts parameters or behavior based on changing conditions. |
| 5 — Contextual Automation | System perceives and interprets its environment (vision, sensors, context). |
| 6 — Predictive Automation | System forecasts future states and acts proactively. |
| 7 — Goal-Optimizing Automation | System selects actions to optimize goals under constraints. |
| 8 — Self-Learning Automation | System improves performance through learning (experience-based). |
| 9 — Self-Managing Automation | Autonomic: self-configuring, self-healing, self-optimizing, self-protecting. |
| 10 — Collaborative Intelligence | Human–machine joint reasoning; shared situational understanding. |
| 11 — Organizational Intelligence | Automation coordinates entire processes/units (multi-agent, VSM-like). |
| 12 — Meta-Cognitive Automation | System reasons about its own reasoning; redesigns its own models/processes. |
Production System
| Type of Production System | Typical Automation Level |
|---|---|
| Craft / Manual Production System | 0–1 (Manual / Assistive) |
| Workshop / Job Shop | 1–2 (Assistive → Basic Automation) |
| Mechanized Production System | 2 (Fixed Logic / Mechanized) |
| Classical Automated Production Line | 2–3 (Fixed Logic → Reactive) |
| CNC-Based Production System | 3–4 (Reactive → Adaptive) |
| Lean Automated Cell | 3–4 (Reactive → Adaptive) |
| Robotic Production Cell | 3–5 (Reactive → Contextual) |
| Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) | 4–6 (Adaptive → Predictive) |
| Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) | 5–6 (Contextual → Predictive) |
| MES-Orchestrated Production System | 4–6 (Adaptive → Predictive Scheduling) |
| Vision-Guided Robotic Line | 5 (Contextual Automation) |
| Digital Twin-Enabled Production System | 6–7 (Predictive → Goal-Optimizing) |
| Smart Factory (Industry 4.0) | 3–6 (Reactive → Predictive) |
| Cognitive Factory | 7–9 (Goal-Optimizing → Self-Managing) |
| Fully Autonomous Factory ("Lights-Out") | 9–11 (Self-Managing → Organizational Intelligence) |
| Distributed Cyber-Physical Production Network | 10–11 (Collaborative / Organizational Intelligence) |
| Self-Governing Production Ecosystem | 11–12 (Meta-Cognitive Automation) |
Automation Stack
A canonical architecture:
- Physical Layer (machines, robots)
- Control Layer (PLC, CNC, PID)
- Execution Layer (MES, SCADA)
- Optimization Layer (APS, scheduling engines)
- Intelligence Layer (ML, RL, digital twins)
- Orchestration Layer (multi-agent coordination)
References
- Frohm, Jörgen, et al. "Levels of automation in manufacturing." Ergonomia-an International journal of ergonomics and human factors 30.3 (2008).