MACHINE PRODUCT SYSTEM: CHARACTERISTICS AND EXAMPLES - TECHNOLOGY - 2025

The machine-product system is the use of technology by which a process or procedure is carried out with minimal human assistance. It is also known as automatic control.

Various control systems handle equipment such as factory processes, machinery, connection to telephone networks, heat treatment boilers and furnaces, stabilization and steering of ships, airplanes and other vehicles and applications with minimal or reduced human intervention.

Source: geralt, via Wikimedia Commons

The machine product system covers applications ranging from a domestic thermostat that controls a boiler, to a large industrial control system with tens of thousands of input measurements and output control signals.

In terms of control complexity, it can range from simple on / off control to high-level multi-variable algorithms.

This system has been achieved by various means, such as pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, electronic, electrical and computer units, generally combined with each other.

Complex systems, as seen in recent factories, airplanes and ships, often use all of these techniques in combination.

characteristics

Flexible and accurate machine product systems are critical to the profitability of manufacturing and processing operations.

Developing applications to monitor and control plants can be difficult, because testing applications in real plants is expensive and dangerous. System designers often rely on simulation to validate their solutions before implementation.

Modern distributed control systems offer advanced control and checking functions. The integration of control and information across the enterprise enables industries to optimize industrial process operations.

They can also be maintained with simple quality controls. However, at this time, not all tasks can be automated, and some tasks are more expensive to automate than others.

The machines can perform tasks that are carried out in dangerous environments or that are beyond human capabilities, as they can operate even at extreme temperatures or in radioactive or toxic atmospheres.

Advantage

- Higher performance or productivity.

- Improved quality or greater predictability of quality.

- Improvement in the consistency and robustness of the processes or products.

- Greater consistency of results.

- Reduction of direct costs and expenses of human work.

- Installation in operations reduces cycle time.

- Can complete tasks where a high degree of precision is required.

- Replaces human operators in tasks that involve heavy or monotonous physical work. For example, using a single driver forklift instead of a multi-worker team to lift a heavy object reduces some occupational injuries. For example, less strained backs from lifting heavy objects.

- Replaces humans in tasks performed in dangerous environments, such as fire, space, volcanoes, nuclear facilities, underwater, etc.

- Performs tasks that are beyond human capabilities of size, weight, speed, endurance, etc.

- Significantly reduces operating time and job handling time.

- Frees workers to take on other roles. Provides higher level work in the development, implementation, maintenance and execution of machine product systems.

Disadvantages

Some studies seem to indicate that the machine-product system could impose deleterious effects beyond operational concerns. For example, the displacement of workers due to the general loss of jobs.

- Possible security threats or vulnerabilities due to the relative greater susceptibility to making mistakes.

- Unpredictable or excessive development costs.

- The initial costs of installing machinery in a factory setup are high, and failure to maintain the system can result in loss of the product itself.

- It leads to further environmental damage and could exacerbate climate change.

Examples

One trend is the increased use of computer vision to provide automated inspection functions and robot guidance. Another is the continued increase in the use of robots.

Industrial robotics

It is a sub-branch in the machine product system, which supports various manufacturing processes. Such manufacturing processes include welding, machining, painting, material handling, and assembly, among others.

Industrial robots use various software systems, electrical, and mechanical, which allow high speed and precision, thus far exceeding any human performance.

The birth of the industrial robot came shortly after World War II, as the United States saw a need for a faster way to produce industrial and consumer goods.

Digital logic and solid-state electronics allowed engineers to build better and faster systems. These systems were revised and improved until a single robot is capable of working with little or no maintenance 24 hours a day.

For these reasons, in 1997 there were some 700,000 industrial robots in operation, and in 2017 the number increased to 1.8 million.

In recent years, artificial intelligence has also been used with robotics to create an automatic labeling solution, using robotic arms like. automatic label applicator, and artificial intelligence to learn and detect the products to be labeled.

Programmable logic controllers

The machine product system involved programmable logic controllers (PLC) in the production process.

They have a processor system that allows variation of the input and output controls using simple programming.

PLCs make use of programmable memory, storing instructions and functions such as sequencing, timing, counting, etc.

Using logic language, a PLC can take a variety of inputs and return a variety of logic outputs. The input units are sensors and the output units are valves, motors, etc.

PLCs are analogous to computers. However, computers are optimized for calculations, while PLCs are perfected for use in industrial environments and for control tasks.

They are built in such a way that only a basic knowledge of logic programming is needed, and the handling of vibrations, noise, humidity and high temperatures.

The main advantage that PLCs provide is their flexibility. Therefore, with the same basic controllers, a PLC can handle a wide variety of control systems.

It is no longer necessary to have to wire a system again to change the control system. This feature creates a cost effective system for complex control systems.

References

1. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (2019). Automation. Taken from: en.wikipedia.org.
2. Encyclopaedia Britannica (2019). Automation. Taken from: britannica.com.
3. Encyclopaedia Britannica (2019). Advantages and disadvantages of automation. Taken from: britannica.com.
4. Tech Briefs (2019). Understanding Smart Machines: How They Will Shape the Future. Taken from: techbriefs.com.
5. Help Systems (2019). Automated Operations: 5 Benefits of Automation. Taken from: helpsystems.com.