Automated Handling Systems
Introduction
The technology of automated handling systems is increasing day by day in the industrial manufacturing sector. Automated handling systems usually comprise of mechanical components for input handling, operational handling, and the response part of the system, which will then perform the desired manual task. Most automated handling systems come into the market as a bespoke machine designed specifically to lift heavy materials and handling the complex mechanical tasks (Bruton et al., 2014). Creation of lifting automated systems involves tailoring of the machines according to the objectives of a given workplace or environment. Some of the systems include machines for picking items and placing them in another location, machines for handling automated products storage and those for performing weight lifting among others. This paper will focus on the automated machines for handling different tasks and how components are engineered to get the systems working.
Automated Handling System Components
Systems that are automated to handle manufacturing operations will normally comprise of components that are integrated to perform with limited human attention. They will have the input part for handling the material load that is indented to be processed. After loading operation, the systems will perform the work according to the computations in the system and the programmed controls that will then result in unloading operation (Coronel et al., 2014). The human support will be required for ensuring the required data is put into the system for the program to work. A description of the components of such a system is as shown below.
In the system above, the loading unit will comprise of mechanical tools that can load and position the loads in the correct position. They will also be made up pulleys and belts among other physical components that enable movement in different directions. Movement of loads takes place by the help of conveyors that are powered in a given location. The automated system will comprise of programmed control functions that are stored in the systems microprocessor storage units.
Automated systems usually comprise of a worker to operate the systems and the machine to provide a response that will result in the performance of some complex task. In a factory handling system, there will be a workstation that will have operations that are predefined and stored in the system’s memory part. Systems that require a human operator to function are semi-automated and will only function with the assistance of a trained operator at the field.
Automated systems also comprise of computing devices that ensure the workers receive relevant instructions, control the flow of events in the system, detect failures, and analyze the safety of the systems and to manage the maintenance that will result in quality performance by the machines. The function of human workers in the system is to program the sequence of operations, maintenance of the machines and performance of labor in general.
Classification of automated systems
Automated systems can be categorized into different groups depending on the considerations in place. The systems may differ in the automation level, the level of manning used, component variety, the layout of the system and the operations to be performed. The number of workstations involved will normally affect the workload capacity of the systems. Automated systems such as manufacturing control systems will require many workstation components to ensure the productivity of the systems much the economical investments. Manning system classification will lead to semi-automated systems and fully-automated systems.
Designing the Automated Handling Systems
The operation of automatically controlled machines will require detailed analysis of the problem to be performed and analyzing the parameters that will enable the systems to perform as required. For such systems, the input part will comprise of the lifting systems, conveyors like the belts, rollers, wheels, trolleys and vibrators. In the processing unit, you will require automatic guided vehicles that are electrically powered and programmed to determine the correct position and the path to follow (Coronel & Morris, 2016).
Application of Automated Handling Systems
Automation of processes has seen numerous applications in the manufacturing industries, motion control systems, automatic teller machines, and handling of company records that require high processing capabilities.
Benefits of Automated Handling Systems
Automated systems are cost effective in as they perform large and complex jobs in comparison to that performed by a single individual. Another benefit of such systems is the ability to perform work faster compared to manual systems. Products that require detailed fabrication can only be made by such systems due to their accuracy and scalability of tasks performed. Products used to be manufactured on individual demand basis, but the automation of production sector has increased the efficiency of production when in large demands.
Conclusion
Mechanical automated systems can be relied on to perform complex jobs that would not be possible by a human being. The use of these machines is also economical to the companies that use them, and they lead to the better productivity of the companies leading to high-profit generations. Such systems require critical analysis to be able to design so that they hand the automated tasks in the correct sequence.
References
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