Recent and Rising Applications of Industrial Automation

Industrial automation is transforming manufacturing by integrating advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, precision, and productivity. The global industrial automation market, valued at approximately $192.02 billion in 2024, is expected to grow to $420.49 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period.  Innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), collaborative robots (cobots), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are reshaping industrial processes, making them smarter and more interconnected. This post dives into the recent and rising applications of industrial automation and how advanced PCB assemblies form the core of such integrated systems to ensure reliability and efficiency in modern manufacturing.

Industrial automation is a broad field that spans various technological advancements aimed at improving manufacturing processes.

1. Robotics in Manufacturing: Industrial robots have become a cornerstone in automation, performing tasks such as welding, painting, material handling, and assembly. They provide enhanced precision, speed, and consistency compared to manual labor, making them integral to large-scale manufacturing operations.
2. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): IIoT connects machines, sensors, and devices across manufacturing plants to collect and analyze data in real-time, and communicate the same with connected devices such as smartphones and laptops. This enhances decision making, reduces downtime, and improves operational efficiency.
3. AI and ML: AI and ML algorithms are integrated into industrial systems to make autonomous decisions, optimize production schedules, and improve quality control.
4. COBOTS: COBOTS are collaborative robots that work alongside human operators in manufacturing units. They are designed to work safely, and stop in case they detect occupancy or obstacles. They can handle repetitive, dangerous, or physically demanding tasks. 

Industrial automation continues to evolve rapidly, with key trends emerging as part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). This transformation is largely driven by advancements in connectivity, analytics, and automation technologies. Some key trends include:

1. Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS): The integration of physical processes with digital systems is central to Industry 4.0. CPS enables real-time data exchange between physical equipment and digital platforms, improving responsiveness and system integration across the value chain.
2. Advanced manufacturing technologies: Innovations like additive manufacturing (3D printing) and augmented reality (AR) are being increasingly used in industrial automation. These technologies enable more flexible and customized manufacturing processes while reducing waste and improving production efficiency.

Below are 10 key applications that highlight the diverse capabilities of industrial automation.

1. Palletizing: Automation systems are extensively used in palletizing, wherein robots stack products onto pallets for storage and transportation. This application improves the speed and accuracy of packaging operations, mainly in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods.
2. Pick and place: Pick and place means moving things from one place to another very precisely. In this process, robots pick up items from one location and place them in another with precision. It is widely used in assembly lines, electronics manufacturing, and packaging.
3. Assembly: Automated assembly lines are a core part of industrial automation. They are used to assemble products with high precision and speed, reducing human error and increasing production output. It is a key application in the automotive, electronics, and consumer appliance industries.
4. Machine tending: Robots tend machines by loading and unloading materials, reducing downtime, and improving operational efficiency. They are commonly used in metalworking, plastics, and machining industries.
5. Welding: Welding means joining two materials together using heat or pressure. Robotics is used extensively in welding applications for tasks like MIG, TIG, and spot welding. Robots offer consistent quality, speed, and precision, making them essential in fabrication units, automotive manufacturing, metalworking, and aerospace.
6. Inspection and quality control: Quality inspection involves a quality check of the product and ensuring that the product is good to go.  Automated systems equipped with sensors, cameras, and vision systems inspect products for defects and ensure they meet quality standards. This application is widely used in electronics manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and food production.
7. Painting and coating: Automated painting and coating systems are used for tasks such as spraying and coating products with high precision. Robots ensure consistent coating thickness, uniform application, and reduce human exposure to harmful chemicals.
8. Packaging: Automation is widely used in packaging processes, where robots pack products into boxes, shrink wrap them, and prepare them for shipment. This is a common application in the food & beverage and consumer goods industries.
9. Material removal: Automation is used for material removal processes such as grinding, polishing, and deburring. Robots equipped with tools perform these operations with high accuracy, especially in industries such as metalworking and aerospace.

Ultimately, advanced PCB assemblies with multiple functionalities are at the helm of automated systems. When it comes to PCB assemblies in the realm of industrial automation, Accelerated Assemblies plays a crucial role. Here’s how Accelerated Assemblies contributes to the growth of industrial automation.

1. PCB Assembly for industrial control equipment: Accelerated Assemblies produces high-performance PCBs for industrial control systems used in automated manufacturing processes. These control systems are critical for ensuring that industrial equipment operates efficiently and accurately.
2. Quick turn PCB assemblies: Accelerated Assemblies offers rapid turnaround PCB assembly service. This is particularly valuable for industries engaged in automation, where speed to market is essential. Whether it's for prototyping, testing, or small-run production, we help businesses in industrial automation quickly validate and deploy their systems.
3. Mixed technology assembly service: In industrial automation, the need for diverse technology integration is crucial. Accelerated Assemblies offers mixed technology PCB assembly, which combines surface-mount technology (SMT) and through-hole technology (THT). This flexibility allows the company to cater to complex automation systems that require both types of technology to function seamlessly.
4. Advanced assembly capabilities: With a team of experienced engineers, Accelerated Assemblies delivers high-quality, precision PCBs that support automation in various sectors, including robotics, machine vision, and industrial IoT (IIoT).

Contact the team at Accelerated Assemblies today to learn more about how our expertise can help you stay ahead in the world of industrial automation.